Thermovalve Using Shape Memory Alloy Spring for Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal valves are complex to assemble, material-intensive, and inefficient in closing fluid ducts, particularly when used to heat windshield washer fluid from a vehicle radiator.
Innovation Solution
A thermal valve design featuring a body with a seat and inlet/outlet ducts, utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) springs for temperature-dependent operation, and a housing with high heat transfer coefficients, assembled from two coupled components with snap-fit connections to reduce complexity and material usage, allowing efficient fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional thermal valve designs are used with multiple components, then the valve can achieve fluid control functionality, but the assembly becomes complicated and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional valve components (body, closure, seat, springs) into an integrated housing structure with fewer discrete parts. The housing incorporates the seat and accommodates the closure mechanism, reducing the total component count and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into two separable components that can be coupled together, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation enables each housing component to be manufactured independently and then joined, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional closure mechanisms are used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the closing action does not always allow optimal duct closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical closure mechanisms with a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring that responds directly to temperature changes. This eliminates complex mechanical linkages and provides more reliable closure action through the inherent thermal-responsive properties of the SMA material.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes in the shape memory alloy spring to achieve automatic opening and closing actions. The SMA spring changes its mechanical properties (stiffness, shape) in response to temperature variations, providing reliable fluid flow control without complex mechanical actuation systems.
3Temperature
If conventional housing designs are used, then the valve structure is stable, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient for heating windshield washer fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates regions with different thermal properties, including high heat transfer coefficient surfaces in contact with heating fluid and thermal insulation in other areas. This localized optimization of thermal characteristics improves overall heat transfer efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing utilizes composite construction with materials selected for their thermal properties, combining high heat transfer coefficient materials in heat exchange regions with insulating materials in other areas. This composite approach optimizes thermal efficiency while maintaining structural stability.
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 results in a faster, lighter, and more reliable thermal valve with simplified assembly, capable of efficiently heating windshield washer fluid and ensuring optimal fluid flow control, suitable for vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring element is made of a material such as SMA (shape memory alloy) such that it undergoes changes in characteristics and/or shape with changes in temperature of the fluid in which it is immersed
Implementation Method 2
The housing has a high heat transfer coefficient, which can be given by the design and/or by the material of one of the sides of the input/output ducts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermovalve (1), consisting of a housing (2), a closure (5), and a seat, which is removed from the housing and which movably accommodates the closure. According to the invention, the inlet/outlet lines (3, 4) are connected to the seat of the closure, wherein the closure is held in a first position by a first spring element (9), which is arranged between the closure and one of the floors of the housing in order to connect the seat to one of the inlet/outlet lines in a first position and to prevent the fluid flow between the seat and the inlet/outlet lines in a second position, wherein a second spring element (10), which counteracts the first spring element, is arranged between the closure and the second housing floor, wherein the first spring element consists of such a material that the first spring element is sensitive to temperature changes of the fluid in which the thermoelement is immersed, and wherein the housing extends into a holder (17) and/or extension (8) having a high heat transfer coefficient from one of the sides of the inlet/outlet lines in order to hold the first spring element (9), which senses the temperature difference.