Thermostatic Ring Slide Valve for Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic annular slide valves for internal combustion engine cooling systems are complex and costly due to the need for external power sources and separate moving parts, which complicates the cooling system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic ring slide valve designed without an external power source, featuring a one-piece component with a temperature-driven mechanism that maintains a constant flow connection from the vehicle interior heater to the water pump, eliminating the need for complex bypass solutions and reducing costs by integrating the annular slide directly into the housing with adjustable diameters and inlet slots around the circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-part valve body with a movable cover is used to switch cooling circuit sections, then the valve can achieve temperature-dependent flow control, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover and valve body into a single-integral valve body structure. The annular slide is integrated directly into the valve body as a one-piece component, eliminating the need for a separate movable cover. This integration maintains the temperature-dependent flow control functionality while significantly simplifying the overall valve structure and reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into functional zones within the single-integral structure. The annular slide creates distinct flow paths for different cooling circuits (engine cooling, radiator cooling, heater) by selectively blocking or opening inlet openings at different axial positions, achieving versatility without additional components.
2Measurement precision
If external power sources and separate moving parts are used in thermostatic annular slide valves, then the valve can achieve precise temperature control, but the cooling system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes the thermal expansion of the thermostatic element itself to drive the annular slide movement. The thermostatic element expands with temperature increase, directly pushing the annular slide to change flow paths, and contracts when cooled, returning the slide to its initial position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, motors, or complex control systems while maintaining precise temperature-dependent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostatic element is designed to expand axially in response to temperature increases in the coolant. This thermal expansion directly actuates the annular slide, moving it axially within the valve body to open or close specific inlet openings. The thermal expansion mechanism provides reliable, power-free actuation with precise temperature response characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate moving cover is used to open flow paths in the valve, then the valve can switch between cooling circuits, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover function and valve body function into a single-integral valve body. The annular slide is formed as an integrated part of the valve body, with inlet openings directly formed in the valve body structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate cover components, reducing the number of parts to manufacture and assemble while maintaining full cooling circuit switching capability.
4Reliability
If complex bypass solutions are used to maintain flow connection to the heater, then the cooling system can ensure heater operation, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single-integral valve body with the annular slide is designed to provide universal flow connection to the heater circuit across all operating conditions. The heater inlet opening is positioned and dimensioned such that it remains accessible to coolant flow regardless of the annular slide position, eliminating the need for separate bypass passages or additional valves. This multi-functional design ensures heater reliability while simplifying the overall system.
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 design simplifies the cooling system, reduces costs, and maintains a consistent flow connection, ensuring efficient temperature regulation without external energy, while minimizing noise and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermostatic element (36) which, when the temperature increases, expands and moves the annular slide (12) in the axial direction A in the housing (14)
Implementation Method 2
At least one return spring (38, 40) inside the ring slide generates a restoring force and/or fixes the current position of the annular slide (12) in the housing (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A thermostatic ring slide valve, particularly for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, has a ring slide (12) with two axially separated, circumferentially segmented inlet openings (20, 22) and a housing (14) in which the ring slide (12) is received, the housing having at least three fluid inlets (26, 28, 30) arranged at different axial heights and a fluid outlet (24). The ring slide (12) is axially displaceable within the housing (14) depending on the temperature such that at least two of the fluid inlets (28, 30) can be either completely or partially closed, while a third fluid inlet (26) is in constant flow communication with the fluid outlet (24). In a cooling system, the three fluid inlets (26, 28, 30) are connected to return channels of a heating circuit, an engine circuit and a cooling circuit.