Integrated Two-Shutter Intake Valve for Low-Complexity Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and weight of existing air intake circuit valves in engines, with multiple parts increasing maintenance difficulties and failure risks, necessitate a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A single valve with a body defining three ducts, each with a shutter, allowing for adjustable and controlled operation modes through a DC motor-driven transmission wheel system, reducing the number of parts and enhancing maintenance simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used for air intake circuit control, then precise airflow control is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves into a single integrated valve body containing multiple ducts (first duct for non-cooled air, second duct for cooled air, third duct to engine intake) and multiple shutters (first shutter, second shutter, third shutter) that can be independently controlled. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to precisely control airflow to the engine, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve body performs multiple functions by providing separate controllable pathways for different types of air intake: non-cooled air intake through the first duct, cooled air intake through the second duct, and controlled delivery to the engine intake through the third duct. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used for air intake control, then functional versatility is maintained, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single valve assembly with a unified body structure. The valve body contains multiple ducts (first, second, and third ducts) and multiple independently controllable shutters that can selectively direct airflow. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight and bulk compared to using multiple separate valves, while preserving the versatility to choose between different intake paths (cooled or non-cooled) based on engine requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate valves are used, then control precision is maintained, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple throttling mechanisms into a single valve body with multiple shutters (first shutter for non-cooled air, second shutter for cooled air, third shutter for engine intake) that can be independently controlled with precise positioning. While maintaining control precision through independent shutter adjustment, the unified structure reduces the number of separate components that need maintenance, thereby improving ease of repair and maintenance accessibility compared to multiple separate valves.
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective valve with adjustable throttling capabilities, reducing engine complexity and maintenance challenges while ensuring efficient airflow and low head losses.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator motor is a DC (direct current) motor. Such a motor delivers torque that is greater than the torque developed by a torque motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve including a body that defines first and second ducts that open out into a third duct. The first duct is provided with a first shutter and the second duct is provided with a second shutter connected to drive means arranged to move the shutters in a normal mode of operation in which the second shutter is in the closed position and the first shutter is adjustable in position between an open position and a first closed position, a stop mode in which the second shutter is in its closed position and the first shutter is in its first closed position, and a secondary mode of operation in which the second shutter is in its open position and the first shutter is in a second closed position.