Shape Memory Valve Layout for Compact Vehicle Heat Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves used in heat transfer medium flow circuits in vehicles are heavy and bulky due to the need for armature/coil assemblies, making them inefficient for compact heat management systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve design utilizing two shape memory material actuators, which can be activated differently to generate varying movement forces and positions, allowing for a 2/1-way or 3/2-way valve configuration, with a biasing unit like a helical compression spring to ensure reliable operation and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically excited solenoid valves are used to control heat transfer medium flow paths, then reliable flow path control is achieved, but the valve becomes heavy and requires large space due to armature/coil assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuation system (solenoid coil and armature) with a shape memory alloy-based actuation system. The shape memory alloy elements directly convert thermal energy to mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for electromagnetic components. This substitution dramatically reduces valve weight and size while maintaining reliable flow path control through the shape memory effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent shape memory effect to control valve operation. By changing the temperature of the shape memory alloy elements (through electrical heating or thermal conduction), the alloy transitions between austenitic and martensitic phases, causing reversible dimensional changes that drive the valve element between open and closed positions. This parameter-based control achieves reliable actuation without heavy electromagnetic components.
2Reliability
If electrically excited solenoid valves are used to control heat transfer medium flow paths, then reliable flow path control is achieved, but the valve requires large space due to armature/coil assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuation system (solenoid coil and armature) with a shape memory alloy-based actuation system. The shape memory alloy elements directly convert thermal energy to mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for electromagnetic components. This substitution dramatically reduces valve weight and size while maintaining reliable flow path control through the shape memory effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compact nested structure where shape memory alloy elements are arranged in series within a confined space. The multiple actuators are positioned one after another along the valve element, maximizing space utilization. This nested arrangement allows the valve to achieve complex multi-position control functionality within a minimal volume, suitable for compact vehicle heat management systems.
3Volume of moving object
If shape memory material actuators are used to actuate valve elements, then compact design is achieved, but complex actuation control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve control function into multiple independent shape memory alloy actuators, each responsible for specific valve positions or flow paths. By segmenting the actuation system, the patent enables modular control where each actuator can be independently activated based on thermal conditions. This segmentation simplifies the overall control logic compared to a single complex actuator, as each element follows the same shape memory mechanism but controls different aspects of valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy actuators are self-actuating through temperature changes. When heated (by electrical current or thermal conduction from the heat transfer medium), they automatically undergo phase transformation and produce mechanical displacement. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms, as the actuators respond directly to thermal conditions with inherent hysteresis providing stable positioning without additional control complexity.
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
The solution enables a lightweight, compact, and operationally reliable valve that can efficiently manage heat transfer medium flow by adjusting valve positions using shape memory actuators, allowing for precise control of flow connections between different line areas.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator arrangement assigned to the at least one valve element with at least two shape memory material actuators
Implementation Method 2
with a biasing unit like a helical compression spring to ensure reliable operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A valve, in particular for a heat transfer medium flow circuit in a vehicle, comprises at least one valve element (16) and an actuator arrangement (24) associated with the at least one valve element (16) with at least one shape memory material actuating element (26, 44).