Self-Locking Spindle Electronic Actuator for Turbocharger Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for turbocharger valves in motor vehicles either lack precise control between fully open and closed positions or require continuous electric power supply, leading to high power consumption and large installation space.
Innovation Solution
An electronic actuator with a self-locking spindle and electric motor sharing the same longitudinal axis, where the self-locking spindle is designed with a specific slope and a signal transmitter at one end, allowing for adjustable valve positions without continuous motor energization, reducing power consumption and installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic actuators are used to actuate the valve, then the valve can be opened or closed based on pressure limits, but the positions of the valve cannot be adjusted in a targeted manner between fully open and fully closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuation system with an electric motor-driven spindle mechanism. The electric motor (21) drives the spindle (3) through a gear mechanism, allowing precise rotational control that translates to accurate valve position control. This substitution enables targeted adjustment of valve positions between fully open and fully closed states, overcoming the limitation of pneumatic actuators which can only achieve binary open/closed states based on pressure thresholds.
2Ease of operation
If electric motors are used to continuously supply electric current in every position of the valve, then the valve positions can be precisely controlled, but the power consumption increases and the installation space must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the self-locking mechanism of the spindle. The spindle is designed with inclined flanks that create a self-locking effect, allowing the valve to maintain its position without continuous motor energization. The motor only needs to supply power during position transitions, not during position holding. This periodic energization significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous supply, while still maintaining precise valve position control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking spindle design enables the system to serve itself by maintaining valve positions through its own mechanical structure rather than requiring continuous external energy input. The inclined flanks of the spindle create friction and mechanical interlocking that automatically hold the valve in place, eliminating the need for continuous motor power and reducing both energy consumption and motor size requirements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple spindles and electric motors are used to actuate the valve, then the valve can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated actuator unit. The electric motor (21), gear mechanism (22), spindle (3), and self-locking nut (4) are combined into one compact assembly that performs both positioning and holding functions. This unified design eliminates the need for multiple separate spindles and motors, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise valve control capability. The compact integration also reduces installation space requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control of valve positions with reduced power consumption and installation space, improving overall efficiency and minimizing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one self-locking spindle (3) which is rotatably mounted and which is in engagement with a spindle nut (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic actuator comprising at least one self-locking spindle (3) which is rotatably received and which engages with a spindle nut (4) that is arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal axis of the at least one spindle (3).