Thermostat Valve Two-Point Control Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostat valves for coolant circuits in automobiles require expensive electric motor drives to achieve precise rotational positions, while less expensive vacuum actuators can only switch between two positions, making it structurally complex to achieve variable intermediate positions.
Innovation Solution
A two-point control system using inexpensive actuators like vacuum actuators, which switch between two states, combined with damping means to slow down rapid switching, allowing for quasi-proportional control of the valve element's rotational position, enabling any desired rotational positions with reduced wear and pressure spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If expensive electric motor drives are used to achieve precise rotational positions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electric motor drives with inexpensive vacuum actuators that can be discarded or replaced easily. The vacuum actuators achieve sufficient control precision for thermostat application without the complexity and cost of electric motors, embodying the principle of using cheap, simple components instead of expensive sophisticated ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electric motor drives with a pneumatic vacuum actuator system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields to rotate the valve element, the system uses vacuum pressure applied to a diaphragm that converts linear motion to rotational motion through a push rod and cam mechanism, replacing an electrical-mechanical system with a purely pneumatic-mechanical system.
2Device complexity
If vacuum actuators are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because only two switching positions are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vacuum actuator system dynamic by allowing continuous adjustment of the vacuum level rather than fixed binary switching. The control unit can vary the vacuum degree continuously, which through the cam mechanism enables the valve element to achieve any desired rotational position between its extreme positions, transforming a static two-position system into a dynamic continuously adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the vacuum actuator from binary (on/off) to continuous (variable vacuum degree). By controlling the vacuum level as a variable parameter rather than a fixed state, the system can achieve precise intermediate rotational positions of the valve element, enabling proportional control without requiring expensive electric motors.
3Speed
If rapid switching of vacuum actuators is allowed, then response speed is improved, but harmful factors increase due to wear and pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping means that act beforehand to cushion the rapid switching movements of the vacuum actuator. The damping mechanism, which may include viscous dampers or friction elements, absorbs the shock and reduces the intensity of pressure spikes and mechanical impacts during switching, protecting the system components from excessive wear while maintaining fast response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of vacuum actuator switching combined with damping to create controlled oscillations that settle at the desired position. Instead of attempting to eliminate all motion during switching, the system allows damped periodic movements that quickly decay, achieving position control while the damping prevents harmful pressure spikes and reduces wear from abrupt stops.
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
This solution allows for structurally simple and cost-effective achievement of any desired rotational positions of the valve element, reducing wear and pressure spikes, while maintaining precise control over coolant flow in the coolant circuit.
Implementation Method 1
damping means being provided, furthermore, which damp the rotational movement of the at least one valve element
Implementation Method 2
vacuum actuators which can act on the valve element via a pressure-actuated diaphragm and a push rod which is operatively connected to the diaphragm, in such a way that an axial movement of the push rod which is triggered by the pressure-actuated diaphragm is converted into a rotational movement of the valve element
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat valve for a coolant circuit includes a housing with a plurality of coolant connectors, and at least one hollow valve element mounted in the housing for rotation about a rotational axis. At least one opening in the circumferential face, the opening selectively connectable to one or more of the coolant connectors by way of rotation. A drive rotates the valve element and includes at least one actuator which can be switched between a first switching state for rotation in a first rotational direction and a second switching state for rotation in a second rotational direction. A two-point control device actuates the actuator in such a way that, if a setpoint value is exceeded and if the setpoint value is undershot, the actuator is switched from one switching state to the other. A damping mechanism damps the rotational movement of the at least one valve element.