Thermostatic Valve Layout for Transmission Fluid Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic valves in automobile transmission fluid systems face challenges in efficiently heating the fluid at low temperatures and cooling it at high temperatures, as they rely on coolant temperature variability, which can lead to inefficient heat transfer and delayed heating or over-cooling.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve design featuring multiple valve bodies and thermal actuators with heat-sensitive materials, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through temperature-dependent actuation, preventing low-temperature coolant from entering the heat exchanger initially and allowing hot coolant to heat the lubricating oil efficiently when the temperature reaches a set point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coolant flow is controlled through a single thermostatic valve, then the structure is simple, but the temperature control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple independent cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) with separate thermal actuators controlling different flow paths. This segmentation allows precise control of coolant flow to achieve accurate temperature regulation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A valve core is introduced as an intermediary component that connects multiple valve ports and cavities. The valve core mediates the control between thermal actuators and coolant flow, enabling coordinated operation of multiple thermal actuators to achieve precise temperature control
2Use of energy by moving object
If low temperature coolant is used for heating, then heating efficiency is reduced, but the coolant temperature cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-heating the coolant in the first cavity before it enters the heat exchanger for transmission fluid heating. The first thermal actuator controls the valve port to allow coolant to bypass the heat exchanger initially, ensuring only sufficiently warm coolant is used for heating, thereby improving heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts coolant flow paths based on temperature conditions. Multiple valve ports and cavities enable the system to switch between different flow configurations - allowing low-temperature coolant to bypass during heating phase, and directing it through the heat exchanger during cooling phase, achieving both heating efficiency and temperature adaptability
3Measurement precision
If multiple thermal actuators are used for precise temperature control, then temperature regulation accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thermal actuators are merged within a single integrated valve body structure that contains multiple cavities and valve ports. The actuators work cooperatively through the valve core to control different flow paths, achieving precise temperature regulation while reducing overall device complexity through spatial integration and unified design
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
Ensures quick heating of the lubricating oil at low temperatures and effective cooling at high temperatures, maintaining optimal fluid temperature by controlling coolant flow through the heat exchanger, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the transmission fluid temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
The second thermal actuator is configured to act in response to a change in temperature of a fluid in the third cavity
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange device for external cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
Provided is a thermostatic valve including a first valve body, a second valve body, a third valve body, a first thermal actuator, a second thermal actuator, a valve core, a first valve port, a second valve port and a third valve port. The first valve body includes a second cavity and a third cavity. The second thermal actuator is sealedly fixed in the first valve body to isolate the second cavity from the third cavity. At least a part of the valve core is located in the second cavity. The valve core is connected to, or is integrated with, or abuts against a second valve stem of the second thermal actuator. The second thermal actuator is configured to act in response to a change in temperature of a fluid in the third cavity. The valve core is configured to open the second valve port or the third valve port in response to an action of the second valve stem.