Single Actuator Valve for Exhaust Gas Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas recirculation valve devices for internal combustion engines require additional actuators and peripherals, leading to increased complexity and space usage, and lack efficient control over both the recirculated exhaust gas flow and its cooling.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a single actuator that controls two separate actuators, utilizing spring forces and transmission devices to achieve efficient opening and closing mechanisms, reducing the need for additional outputs and peripherals, and allowing for precise regulation of exhaust gas flow distribution between parallel paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate actuators are used to control exhaust gas flow and cooling independently, then precise control over recirculated exhaust gas flow and cooling is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that controls both the exhaust gas recirculation valve and the cooling system. The actuator has a first output for controlling the exhaust gas flow and a second output for controlling the cooling, allowing both functions to be actuated by one device rather than requiring two independent actuators with their own peripherals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both exhaust gas flow control and cooling control. It includes a first output for actuating the exhaust gas recirculation valve and a second output for actuating the cooling system, enabling one actuator to replace two separate actuators while maintaining independent control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate actuators with their own peripherals are used, then independent control of exhaust gas flow and cooling is enabled, but the number of outputs on control unit and wiring harness taps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the peripheral components of two separate actuators into a single actuator system. The single actuator has integrated first and second outputs that connect to the control unit, reducing the number of wiring harness taps and control unit outputs required compared to using two independent actuators with separate peripherals.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls both exhaust gas flow and cooling distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but tightness in closed state and throughput may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into distinct first and second outputs, each independently controlling different aspects of the system. The first output controls the exhaust gas recirculation valve for flow regulation, while the second output controls the cooling system for heat dissipation management. This segmentation allows each output to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator design applies local quality by providing different control characteristics at its first and second outputs. Each output can be independently adjusted and optimized for its specific control requirement, ensuring that the exhaust gas flow control and cooling control each receive appropriate actuation characteristics tailored to their specific needs.
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 compact, high-throughput operation with improved tightness in the closed state and efficient control over exhaust gas recirculation and cooling, reducing the complexity and space requirements of the system.
Implementation Method 1
the second control element is acted upon by a spring force in the closing direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve unit (100) for an exhaust gas recirculation unit (140) of an internal combustion engine (152) comprising at least one inlet (154) and at least one outlet (156), having an inlet (146) on the internal combustion engine outlet side, an outlet (148) on the internal combustion engine inlet side, and a plurality of, particularly two, parallel flow paths (142,144) extending between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) at least in sections, wherein for regulating/controlling the fluid flow flowing between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) and for regulating/controlling the distribution of said fluid flow between the plurality of flow paths (142,144) the valve unit (100) has a first actuating member (212) and a second actuating member (224), and a common actuator is provided for actuating both the first actuating member (212) and the second actuating member (224).