Valve Assembly Filter Sieve Integration for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid injection valves face issues with leakage and stuck-open failures due to contamination from particles, and existing filter placements are ineffective in removing contaminants near the fluid outlet end.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a return spring element incorporating an elastically deformable metal bellows and filter holes, positioned close to the fluid outlet end, which acts as a filter sieve to prevent particle contamination and ensure easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is placed upstream in the fluid path, then the filter can remove particles, but the filter cannot effectively prevent contamination near the fluid outlet end where leakage and stuck-open failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is repositioned from an upstream location to a downstream location near the fluid outlet end, changing its spatial dimension in the fluid path. This dimensional change allows the filter to intercept particles at the critical location where contamination causes leakage and stuck-open failures, rather than relying on upstream filtration that cannot prevent particles from reaching the outlet area.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is specifically positioned at the local area near the fluid outlet end where particle contamination has the most harmful effect. This local placement ensures that the filtration function is applied precisely where needed - at the outlet end - rather than uniformly throughout the entire fluid path, maximizing the reliability improvement for the specific problem of outlet-end contamination.
2Reliability
If a separate filter component is added to the valve assembly, then particle filtration is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter component is merged with the return spring element to form an integrated assembly. The filter is positioned within the return spring element's structure, combining two functional components (filtration and spring return mechanism) into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts, simplifies the valve assembly structure, and eliminates the need for separate filter installation while maintaining effective particle removal near the outlet end.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring element is given multi-functionality by integrating the filter within its structure. The return spring element now serves dual purposes: providing the mechanical return force for the valve needle and simultaneously acting as a housing for the filter that removes particles from the fluid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated separate filter component, reducing device complexity while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the filter is positioned close to the fluid outlet end, then particle removal near the outlet is effective, but the assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filter with the return spring element, the complex task of positioning and securing a separate filter component near the outlet end is simplified. The filter becomes an integral part of the return spring element, which can be assembled as a single unit and installed in one step, eliminating the need for separate filter mounting operations and reducing assembly difficulty despite the filter's strategic positioning near the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is nested within the return spring element's structure, with the filter positioned inside or within the confines of the return spring element. This nesting arrangement allows the filter to be precisely positioned near the fluid outlet end while being housed within the existing return spring element structure, eliminating the need for additional mounting features and simplifying the assembly process.
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 effectively reduces the risk of leakage and stuck-open failures by filtering particles near the fluid outlet end, ensuring reliable operation and easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The return spring element comprises a filter sieve for filtering a fluid flowing through the cavity to the fluid outlet end in operation of the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
A valve assembly with a return spring element incorporating an elastically deformable metal bellows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A valve assembly (10) for a fluid injection valve (1) and a fluid injection valve (1) are disclosed. The valve assembly (10) comprises a valve body (100) having a cavity (110), a valve needle (120) which interacts with the valve body (100) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid outlet end (104) of the valve body (100), and a return spring element (130) which is preloaded for biasing the valve needle (120) towards a closing position. The return spring element (130) comprises a filter sieve (136) for filtering the fluid which flows through the cavity (110) to the fluid outlet end (104) in operation of the valve assembly (10).