In-Vehicle Valve Behavior Detection Using Pump Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inefficient and costly in determining the precise behavior of a valve in a vehicle, especially after replacement, due to the need for external test systems and high reject rates during manufacturing, which complicates precise flow adjustment of media like liquids.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pump with an electric motor and an electronic control unit within the vehicle to vary valve actuation, detect operational parameters, and determine valve behavior without external devices, allowing for precise adjustment and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external test systems are used to determine valve behavior during manufacturing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system determines its own behavior characteristics by utilizing the pump already installed in the vehicle and the electronic control unit. The method uses the pump's operational parameters (current, speed) as measurement indicators, eliminating the need for external test equipment. The control unit records pump parameters during valve actuation to automatically determine valve behavior, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-characterize without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid conveyance device and the measurement sensor. The electronic control unit performs both valve control and behavior determination functions. By making these components multi-functional, the system eliminates dedicated test equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If external test systems are used for valve testing after replacement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-characterization using the vehicle's existing pump and control unit. When a valve is replaced, the new valve is automatically tested and characterized by the control unit recording pump operational parameters during actuation cycles. This eliminates time-consuming manual testing procedures and external test rig setup, significantly improving manufacturing and repair productivity while maintaining precise measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If valve behavior is determined using pump operational parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors pump operational parameters (current consumption, rotational speed) during valve actuation and uses this feedback information to determine valve behavior characteristics. The system records the relationship between actuator position and pump parameters to create a characteristic curve that accurately represents valve behavior. This feedback mechanism enables precise indirect measurement using readily available sensor data from the pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces direct mechanical measurement systems with electrical parameter monitoring. Instead of using mechanical sensors to directly measure valve position or flow, the system uses electrical parameters (pump current, motor speed) that can be easily measured and processed by the electronic control unit. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing system complexity.
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 precise and cost-effective determination and adjustment of valve behavior in its installed state, reducing reject rates and eliminating the need for external testing, thus simplifying and economizing the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (16) comprising an electric motor (22) and at least one pumping element (20) for conveying the medium is operated, such that the medium is conveyed by the electric motor (22) driving the pumping element (20)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for ascertaining control-caused behavior of a valve (12) installed in a vehicle for adjusting a flow of a medium, comprising the following steps: operating a pump (16), which has an electric motor (22) and at least one pump element (20) for conveying the medium, such that the medium is conveyed by means of the pump (16) in that the pump element (20) is driven by means of the electric motor (22); controlling the valve (12) by means of an electronic computing device (28) of the vehicle, wherein the control of the valve (12) is varied by means of the electronic computing device (28); while the medium is conveyed by means of the pump (16) and while the control of the valve (12) is varied: sensing at least one parameter that characterizes the operation of the pump (16); and ascertaining the behavior of the valve (12) in accordance with the sensed parameter.