Thermo Valve Compact Design Single Coil Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermo valves for vehicle transmission cooling systems are bulky due to a large number of parts, making them difficult to compactify, and suffer from unstable thermo-element movement and complex assembly, leading to smooth motion and durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermo valve design that minimizes parts by using a thermo-element and coil spring to switch flow paths within a valve chamber, where the thermo-element moves to open and close flow paths based on temperature and is biased by the coil spring, also acting as a spring for the bypass valve, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate biasing springs are used for the main valve and bypass valve, then the thermo valve can be made more compact compared to conventional designs, but the number of constituent parts remains large and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biasing spring functions for both the main valve and bypass valve into a single coil spring. This spring is configured to bias both valves simultaneously, reducing the number of springs from two to one. This merging approach directly reduces the number of constituent parts while maintaining the compact design, resolving the contradiction between compact size and part complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil spring serves multiple functions: it acts as the biasing spring for the main valve and simultaneously as the biasing spring for the bypass valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate biasing springs, reducing part count while maintaining the compact valve structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact size and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the thermo-element is biased and held by the main valve coil spring, then the number of parts is reduced, but the movement of the thermo-element becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring system into two distinct functional zones: the main valve coil spring dedicated to biasing the main valve, and the bypass valve biasing function integrated into the same spring system but with separate control. This segmentation ensures that the thermo-element movement is not interfered with by bypass valve operations, maintaining stability while keeping the part count low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic spring system where the coil spring can independently deflect to accommodate the movement of both the main valve and bypass valve. This dynamic configuration allows the thermo-element to move freely and stably without being constrained or destabilized by the bypass valve mechanism, resolving the stability issue while maintaining part reduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and springs are used, then the flow path control can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing functions of multiple valves into a single integrated coil spring system. This spring is configured to simultaneously bias both the main valve and bypass valve, reducing the number of assembly steps. Instead of separately installing and adjusting multiple springs, the single spring system requires one installation process, significantly simplifying assembly while maintaining full flow path control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil spring serves as a universal biasing mechanism for both the main valve and bypass valve. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate spring installations and adjustments, simplifying the assembly process. The spring system is designed to accommodate both valve operations simultaneously, reducing assembly complexity while preserving the adaptability for flow path control.
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 results in a compact, lightweight, and durable thermo valve with reduced assembly steps and costs, enabling smoother operation and greater layout flexibility in vehicle transmission cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo-element disposed inside the valve chamber so that the second flow path and a third flow path open into the valve chamber, wherein the thermo-element is capable of moving back and forth within the valve chamber in response to fluid temperature
Implementation Method 2
a coil spring that biases the thermo-element in a direction that closes off the flow paths; and a valve element disposed in the opening connecting the first flow path and the valve chamber, with the coil spring functioning also as a spring means that biases the valve element
Data Source
AI summary
A thermo valve has a valve chamber disposed inside a housing and open to a first flow path through an opening. Second and third flow paths open into the valve chamber. A thermo-element that can move back and forth axially inside the valve chamber in response to fluid temperature opens and closes the second and third flow paths and is biased in a direction that blocks the flow paths by a coil spring. A valve element that is a bypass valve that opens and closes an opening that connects the first and third flow paths inside the valve chamber and communicates the first and third flow paths is disposed in the opening. The coil spring is also used to bias the valve element in a direction that blocks the flow paths.