Valve Assembly Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve assemblies for exhaust gas recirculation systems face inefficiencies due to unaccounted thermal expansion of the valve body relative to the shaft axis, leading to reduced performance and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a second biasing member coupled to the valve body, which biases it along the shaft axis to counteract thermal expansion, reducing axial movement and maintaining proper alignment and sealing despite thermal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single biasing member is used to bias the shaft, then vibration of the shaft is reduced, but axial movement of the valve body due to thermal expansion is not compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The single biasing member is divided into two separate biasing members: a first biasing member that biases the shaft, and a second biasing member that biases the valve body. This segmentation allows each biasing member to independently address different aspects of the problem - shaft vibration and thermal expansion compensation, respectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The second biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the shaft and the valve body, specifically addressing the thermal expansion issue. It compensates for axial movement of the valve body caused by thermal expansion, thereby maintaining reliable operation without interfering with the primary function of the first biasing member.
2Temperature
If the valve assembly components are subjected to thermal expansion during operation, then the valve body moves axially along the shaft axis, but this movement reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of the valve assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The second biasing member is designed to change its physical parameters (such as length or force) in response to temperature changes. This allows it to automatically compensate for thermal expansion of the valve body, maintaining proper sealing and alignment across a range of operating temperatures without requiring active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The second biasing member is specifically configured to account for and compensate for the thermal expansion of the valve body. By designing this component with appropriate thermal characteristics, it counteracts the axial movement caused by heat, ensuring the valve remains effective during operation.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the valve assembly by minimizing axial movement and ensuring proper sealing and alignment of the valve body, even during thermal expansion, thereby improving operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
various components of the valve assembly are subjected to thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
bias the shaft along the shaft axis both to reduce vibration of the shaft and to attempt to minimize the effect of thermal expansion of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
the second biasing member configured to bias the valve body in the first direction along the shaft axis reduces axial movement of the valve body along the shaft axis during operation
Implementation Method 4
a second biasing member coupled to the shaft and configured to bias the valve body in the first direction along the shaft axis
Implementation Method 5
a valve body disposed in the bore for controlling the flow of exhaust gas through the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a flow passage configured to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and defining a bore extending along a bore axis and fluidly coupled to said flow passage. The valve assembly also includes a valve body for controlling the flow of exhaust gas through the bore, and a shaft coupled to the valve body. The valve body is moveable between a closed position and an open position when the shaft rotates about the axis. The vale assembly additionally includes a first biasing member coupled to the shaft and configured to bias the shaft along the shaft axis in a first direction, and a second biasing member coupled to the shaft and configured to bias the valve body in the first direction along the shaft axis.