Integrated Thermostatic Valve Cage for Easier Cooling Circuit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic valves for internal combustion engine cooling circuits are difficult to handle and assemble, particularly due to the separate pressostatic module and the risk of incorrect positioning or detachment during handling and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve design that integrates a one-piece cage, which combines the pressostatic function, fixed assembly to the housing, and seat function for the by-pass shutter, made of plastic for economic and modular benefits, simplifying and securing valve assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressostatic module is used, then the pressostatic function can be provided, but the valve becomes difficult to handle and assemble with risk of incorrect positioning or detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressostatic module with the cage into a single integrated component. The pressostatic shutter is mounted directly on the cage, and the pressostatic seat is formed on the cage, eliminating the need for separate attachment of the pressostatic module. This integration ensures correct positioning and prevents detachment during handling and assembly, while maintaining the pressostatic function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then functional specialization is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the cage component: the cage serves as the structural framework, mounting support for the by-pass shutter and pressostatic shutter, seat formation for both shutters, and connection element to the housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining functional specialization through the design of integrated features on the single component.
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 integrated design enhances the ease of handling and assembly, reduces the risk of component misplacement or detachment, and results in a more reliable, economical, and efficient thermostatic valve system.
Implementation Method 1
a movable part that is movable along an axis with respect to the fixed part, moving away from the fixed part under action of an expansion of a thermodilatable material of the thermostatic element
Data Source
AI summary
The valve includes a housing, a thermostatic element, a first shutter displaced by the thermostatic element along an axis relative to a first seat integrated into the housing to control a flow of fluid between the first and second paths, a cage, a first return spring, a second shutter axially displaced by the thermostatic element relative to a second shutter axially displaced by the thermostatic element with respect to a second seat integrated into the cage, a third shutter axially displaced by the fluid overpressure in the second path relative to a third seat integral with the cage, and a second return spring. The cage includes a tubular part, which is centred on the axis and through the interior of which fluid flows between the second and third paths. An outer face of the tubular part is provided with a seal. The cage also includes arms.