Switch Valve Capture Element Interlocking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch valves for controlling hydraulic fluid flow in internal combustion engines with variable compression are complex and expensive to produce, limiting their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A switch valve design featuring a capture element with a spring-loaded interlocking element that is partially arranged in a recess of the capture element, allowing for axial movement within a groove in the valve housing, which simplifies production and reduces wedging propensity, while combining the functions of interlocking and stop elements to enhance switching precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring loaded interlocking element is used to arrest the capture element in switching positions, then switching precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interlocking element and stop element into a single integrated component. The interlocking element has a first end that engages with the capture element for positioning and a second end that serves as a stop element, eliminating the need for separate interlocking and stopping mechanisms while maintaining reliable switching precision
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an interlocking mechanism for arresting the capture element in switching positions and as a stop element to limit the switching travel. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the valve structure
2Reliability
If the interlocking element is arranged in a recess of the capture element, then support length is increased and wedging is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking element is nested within a recess of the capture element, with the recess providing a designated space that increases the support length of the interlocking element. This nesting arrangement stabilizes the interlocking element and reduces wedging while the groove in the valve housing provides guiding to manage positioning precision requirements
3Measurement precision
If the interlocking element is axially movable in a groove of the valve housing, then switching travel is limited and switching precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a groove structure in the valve housing that guides the axial movement of the interlocking element. This groove constraint in the axial dimension limits the switching travel of the capture element and improves switching precision, while the groove's simple geometric form minimizes the increase in device 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 design reduces production costs, improves switching precision, and enhances the reliability of the switch valve by allowing for simpler fabrication and increased support length, while ensuring safe end-position reach and reduced self-hemming, thus improving the overall efficiency of the hydraulic fluid control system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force acting on the interlocking element in a movement direction of the interlocking element in the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A switch valve for controlling a hydraulic fluid flow, the switch valve comprising: a capture element that is arranged in a valve housing and that is displaceable into a first switching position or a second switching position and interlockable by a spring loaded interlocking element in the first switching position or the second switching position, wherein a first hydraulic connection is connected with a relief connection in the first switching position and a second hydraulic connection is connected with the relief connection in the second switching position, wherein a switching travel of the capture element is limited, wherein the interlocking element is at least partially arranged in a recess of the capture element, and wherein the valve housing includes a first groove that is oriented in an axial direction and limited in the axial direction wherein the interlocking element is arranged axially movable in the first groove.