Thermostatic Valve Ring Structure for Progressive Flow Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostatic valves in automotive applications experience rapid flow and thermal oscillations due to differential pressures and temperatures, leading to potential thermal shock and reduced service life, necessitating a solution to manage flow progression and stability.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve design featuring a ring in the passing section that transitions from a closed to an open position, allowing a low leak flow initially and then nominal flow, with specific geometries and features like notches and protuberances to control flow rates and reduce pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve opens fully to allow nominal flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but thermal shock and pressure stress increase causing oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening process is segmented into two distinct phases: an initial phase where the ring remains closed allowing only leak flow, and a second phase where the ring opens to allow nominal flow. This segmentation prevents sudden full opening by controlling the sequence of opening actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostatic actuator performs preliminary action by initially moving the valve stem to open the valve while the ring remains closed. This preliminary opening allows the system to prepare for full flow gradually, preventing sudden thermal shock before the ring subsequently opens to allow nominal flow.
2Speed
If the valve opens rapidly to respond to temperature changes, then the response speed is improved, but thermal shock and pressure stress cause oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure provides beforehand cushioning by initially blocking the main flow passage and allowing only leak flow. This cushioning effect absorbs the sudden temperature and pressure changes that would otherwise cause thermal shock when the valve opens, protecting the system until the ring subsequently opens to allow nominal flow.
3Temperature
If the valve allows full flow immediately upon opening, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure stress and oscillations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed to move dynamically from a closed position to an open position based on the valve opening stroke. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt the flow rate according to operating conditions, initially limiting flow to reduce pressure stress and subsequently allowing full flow when appropriate.
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 design ensures progressive flow opening and reduces thermal and pressure stresses, maintaining valve stability and extending service life by managing flow rates and pressures effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The wax pushes back a rod under the effect of a significant volume change accompanying a solid/liquid phase change, occurring at a threshold temperature.
Implementation Method 2
a ring disposed in the passing section and movable between a closed position where the ring closes the passing section except for a leak,of a small cross-section in front of the passing section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A thermostatic valve comprising a closed hollow body (1), a first opening (2) and a second opening (3) opening into the body (1) and hydraulically connected by a through section, and a shutter disposed in the through section, and comprising a thermostatic actuator (5), a return means (6), a valve (8) capable of opening the through section when actuated by the thermostatic actuator (5) and of closing the through section when returned by the return means (6), the thermostatic actuator (5) being configured to move the valve (8) away from a valve seat formed by the body (1), thus opening the valve (8), and the return means (6) being configured to press the valve (8) against said seat, thus closing the valve (8), in which the thermostatic valve further comprises a ring (9) disposed in the through section and movable between a closed position in which the ring (9) closes the through section except for leakage,of a small cross-section in front of the passing section and an open position in which the ring (9) releases the passing section, the ring (9) being shaped and arranged so as to be in a closed position at the beginning of the opening of the valve (8) and then to move to an open position after a certain opening stroke of the valve (8).