Thermostatic Valve Layout for Transmission Fluid Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile transmission fluid temperature control systems face challenges in efficiently heating the fluid at low temperatures and cooling it at high temperatures, as the coolant's temperature variability affects heat exchange efficiency, leading to delayed heating or excessive heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve design featuring multiple valve bodies, thermal actuators, and valve ports that adjust based on temperature changes to control fluid flow, preventing low-temperature coolant from entering the heat exchanger initially and allowing hot coolant to heat the lubricating oil efficiently when the coolant reaches a set temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the transmission fluid is cooled using a heat exchanger with coolant, then the transmission fluid can be cooled at high temperatures, but low-temperature coolant will take away heat from the transmission fluid when the automobile is started at low temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring coolant temperature and adjusting valve port openings based on temperature thresholds. When coolant temperature is below a first threshold, the first valve port is closed and second valve port is opened to prevent heat loss. When coolant temperature exceeds the first threshold, the first valve port is opened to enable cooling. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooling capability and heat loss prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic temperature-based control without external intervention. The control unit automatically detects coolant temperature and adjusts the thermostatic valve positions accordingly, enabling the system to self-regulate between heating preservation mode and cooling mode, thus resolving the contradiction autonomously.
2Temperature
If the transmission fluid is heated using hot coolant in the engine, then the transmission fluid can be heated at low temperatures, but the coolant with relatively low temperature will take away heat from the transmission fluid when entering the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by setting temperature thresholds that trigger different valve configurations. When coolant temperature is below the first threshold, the system switches to heating preservation mode (closing first valve port, opening second valve port), ensuring rapid heating by preventing heat loss. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction between heating efficiency and heating speed.
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 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, thus enhancing the efficiency of the automobile transmission fluid cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
The first thermal actuator is configured to act in response to a change in temperature of a fluid in the first cavity to open or close the first valve port
Implementation Method 2
The second thermal actuator is configured to act in response to a change in temperature of a fluid in the third cavity
Data Source
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.