Valve Assembly Flow Path Layout to Prevent Moisture Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing valve assemblies for fuel cell electric vehicles, moisture in hydrogen gas can freeze and hinder the smooth operation of valve subassemblies, and the gas flow passage design is simplistic for ease of manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a body having a first and second flow passage, including a charging portion and a feeding portion, and a plurality of valve subassemblies, where the second flow passage is configured with linear portions intersecting at angles and parallel extensions to manage gas flow, incorporating a check valve and an electromagnetic valve to control gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gas flow passage is designed with simple shape for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture droplets may accumulate and freeze causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow passage is designed with a curved shape instead of straight lines, specifically forming an arc that directs gas flow away from the check valve. This curvature prevents moisture droplets from accumulating and freezing on the check valve while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different sections of the gas flow passage. The passage has a curved section near the check valve to prevent droplet accumulation, while other sections may have different geometries optimized for their specific functions, allowing localized solutions to specific problems.
2Reliability
If the gas flow passage is designed with complex shape to prevent moisture accumulation, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow passage employs a smooth curved arc design rather than multiple sharp angles or complex three-dimensional paths. This single continuous curve effectively redirects gas flow to prevent moisture accumulation while remaining simple to manufacture using conventional machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisture prevention function from the overall gas flow path by creating a specific curved section that isolates the check valve area from moisture-laden flow, allowing the rest of the passage to maintain simpler geometry.
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 ensures smooth operation by preventing moisture-related freezing issues and effectively controlling gas flow, enhancing the functionality and reliability of the valve assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve is configured to restrict a flow of the gas from the charging portion to the third portion and allow a flow of the gas from the third portion to the charging portion
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic valve is configured to control a flow of the gas from the feeding portion to the fourth portion
Data Source
AI summary
Valve subassemblies include a check valve attached to a first attachment hole in a body, and an electromagnetic valve attached to a second attachment hole in the body. A second flow passage includes a common port, a linear first portion extending from the common port, a linear second portion extending from the first portion while being bent, a linear third portion connecting the first attachment hole to the second portion, and a linear fourth portion connecting the second attachment hole to the second portion. The third portion intersects the second portion at an angle equal to or smaller than 90° with respect to a first connection point of the second portion to the first portion. The fourth portion extends parallel to the second portion from an end opposite to the first connection point with respect to a second connection point of the second portion to the third portion.