Thermal Bypass Valve Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in devices, such as automatic transmissions, lack efficient temperature-dependent fluid routing, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and fluid waste, as they do not selectively direct fluid to a cooler based on temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A thermal bypass valve with a shape memory alloy actuator and a shuttle mechanism that transitions between bypass and cooling positions in response to fluid temperature, selectively directing fluid to a cooler only when necessary, using a housing with defined ports and a cap within the bore to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid is continuously directed to the cooler, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically adjusts fluid routing based on real-time temperature conditions. The actuator responds to temperature changes by transitioning the valve between bypass and cooling positions, ensuring cooling is applied only when necessary rather than continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter (fluid path selection) based on the temperature parameter. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the valve directs fluid through the cooler; when temperature is acceptable, it routes fluid through the bypass. This conditional parameter change optimizes energy usage by activating cooling only when temperature conditions require it.
2Temperature
If fluid is continuously directed to the cooler, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but fluid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve dynamically switches between cooling and bypass modes based on temperature feedback. By only directing fluid to the cooler when temperature conditions warrant cooling, the system avoids unnecessary fluid circulation through the cooler, thereby reducing fluid waste while maintaining adequate cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing parameter is changed conditionally based on temperature. The system monitors temperature and adjusts fluid path accordingly—directing fluid through the cooler only when temperature exceeds acceptable levels. This conditional operation prevents unnecessary fluid movement through the cooling system, minimizing fluid waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal bypass valve with shape memory alloy actuator is used, then temperature-dependent fluid routing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy actuator is exposed to the fluid it controls and automatically responds to temperature changes without requiring external control systems. The actuator self-actuates based on thermal conditions, transitioning the valve between positions in response to fluid temperature. This self-service mechanism achieves temperature-dependent routing while minimizing control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or mechanical control systems with a shape memory alloy actuator that uses direct thermal-mechanical coupling. The actuator's phase transformation in response to temperature changes directly drives the valve mechanism, substituting complex control electronics with a simpler thermomechanical system that inherently responds to fluid temperature.
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 thermal bypass valve reduces energy consumption by preventing unnecessary cooler operation at low temperatures and minimizes fluid waste by ensuring fluid is only directed to the cooler when it requires cooling, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fluid management systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy and is transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a bias resilient member attached to the shuttle and configured for translating the shuttle along the longitudinal axis from the cooling position to the bypass position as the shape memory alloy cools
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal bypass valve includes a housing defining a bore along a longitudinal axis and having two inlet ports and two outlet ports; a cap disposed within the bore; a shuttle disposed within the bore and reversibly translatable towards and away from the cap along the longitudinal axis between a first fill position, a cooling position, and a bypass position; and an actuator configured for translating the shuttle along the longitudinal axis between the cooling position and the bypass position. The actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy and is transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a temperature of the fluid.