Throttle Flap Connector Magnet Device for Emergency Flow Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing throttle flap connectors in internal combustion engines require active elements or mechanical stops to maintain a defined position, which is not feasible in a deenergized state, posing a challenge for emergency operation.

Innovation Solution

A valve with a magnet device comprising permanent magnets in the throttle flap connector and on the throttle flap, oriented to repel each other, allows the throttle flap to be fixed in a defined position, ensuring a minimum flow cross section remains open even without actuator power, using the magnetic repulsion force to counteract the mechanical spring and actuator forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical stops or active elements are used to position the throttle flap in a defined position, then the throttle flap can be fixed in a specific position, but the device complexity increases and the solution is not feasible in a deenergized state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stops and active positioning elements with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Permanent magnets mounted on the throttle flap interact with corresponding magnets in the housing to create magnetic repulsion forces that hold the flap in defined positions without requiring mechanical contact or active power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic positioning system is self-actuating and requires no external power source. The permanent magnets automatically generate the necessary magnetic fields to position and hold the throttle flap in defined positions, providing passive, fail-safe operation even when the actuator is deenergized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the throttle flap is held open by a mechanical spring, then the valve can be opened in emergency situations, but the actuator must continuously overcome spring force to close the valve, increasing energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency operation capabilityVSAvoidactuator energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the continuous mechanical spring force with discrete magnetic field forces. Instead of a spring that constantly exerts force, permanent magnets create magnetic repulsion fields that only engage at specific positions, reducing the continuous energy burden on the actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force application parameter from continuous (spring force) to discrete (magnetic field engagement at specific positions). The magnetic repulsion forces are activated only when the throttle flap approaches defined positions, rather than exerting continuous force throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the throttle flap can be freely rotated, then the actuator has full control range, but the throttle flap cannot be maintained in a defined position without additional positioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator control rangeVSAvoidposition holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary force between the throttle flap and the housing. The permanent magnets on the flap interact with corresponding magnets in the housing to create magnetic repulsion fields that act as invisible positioning stops, maintaining the flap in defined positions without restricting the actuator's control range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the throttle flap to maintain a minimum flow cross section open in case of actuator failure, ensuring emergency operation and preventing complete closure, thus ensuring a certain air supply to the engine.

Implementation Method 1

the magnet device is formed by a first permanent magnet in the housing of the throttle flap connector, and a second permanent magnet is formed on the throttle flap, wherein the permanent magnets are oriented relative to one another such that those ends of the permanent magnets which are of the same polarity are directed toward one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3401532B1Valve having a throttle flap arranged in a throttle flap connector
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3401532B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (1) for regulating a flow cross section in a throttle flap connector, having a throttle flap which is mounted in the throttle flap connector so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the throttle flap is rotatable about the axis of rotation, by means of an actuator which acts on the throttle flap, counter to a force generated by a mechanical spring (3), wherein the maximum angle of rotation of the throttle flap in the throttle flap connector is limited by stops, wherein the throttle flap, in at least a first position, is fixable in said first position by means of a magnet device (5, 7), wherein the magnet device (5, 7) is formed by a first permanent magnet (5) in the housing (2) of the throttle flap connector, and a second permanent magnet (7) is formed on the throttle flap, wherein the permanent magnets (5, 7) are oriented relative to one another such that those ends of the permanent magnets (5, 7) which are of the same polarity are directed toward one another.