Electrically Operated Mechanical Valve Eddy Current Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operable mechanical valves, such as fuel injectors, face performance degradation at lower temperatures and increased viscosity of working fluids, leading to difficulties in valve operation due to increased meniscus and viscous forces, which can result in engine air-fuel ratio deviations and poor emissions.
Innovation Solution
Applying a current at a frequency above the natural frequency of the mechanical valve to produce eddy current and/or hysteresis heating, targeting heat generation at specific areas like the interface between the spool valve and the valve body to reduce viscosity and friction, thereby improving valve operation without relying solely on magnetic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic force is increased to overcome meniscus and viscous forces at lower temperatures, then valve operation can be maintained, but energy consumption increases and performance still degrades when viscosity increases beyond magnetic force capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the working fluid by heating it from cold to a higher temperature, which fundamentally alters its viscosity and meniscus force characteristics. This parameter change (temperature) enables the valve to operate reliably without requiring excessive magnetic force, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating action to the working fluid before valve operation is required. By pre-heating the fluid to reduce its viscosity and meniscus forces beforehand, the valve can then operate efficiently without needing to overcome high resistive forces, thus improving reliability while managing energy consumption
2Reliability
If magnetic force is increased to overcome meniscus and viscous forces at lower temperatures, then valve operation can be maintained, but valve performance degrades when magnetic force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the working fluid to alter its physical properties. By heating the fluid, its viscosity decreases and meniscus forces are reduced, enabling the valve to operate at normal speeds without requiring enhanced magnetic force, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity
3Ease of operation
If heating is applied to reduce viscosity and friction, then valve operation improves, but additional energy is required for heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-heating of the working fluid through the valve operation process itself or through integrated heating elements that utilize the system's existing energy flow. The working fluid is heated in-situ, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing additional energy requirements
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 method enhances the efficiency of electrically actuated mechanical valves by reducing energy consumption and improving engine starting consistency, leading to better engine performance and reduced emissions by ensuring a consistent fuel charge delivery even at colder temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The current produces a time-varying magnetic field that induces current to flow in the metallic spool valve and surrounding metal components. Consequently, the eddy currents are dissipated in the metal and converted into heat energy.
Implementation Method 2
eddy current and/or hysteresis heating allows heat to be targeted to metal objects that are near the coil being excited
Implementation Method 3
By heating the oil, the viscosity of the oil is decreased and the coefficient of friction between the spool valve and the valve body can be decreased.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to improve the performance of an electrically operable mechanical valve actuator is described. The system is capable of providing heat to targeted areas of an actuator so that valve performance may be improved during at least some operating conditions.