Valve Operating Mechanism Torsion Spring Inversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve operating mechanisms require large actuators to achieve desired responsiveness due to the placement of torsion springs between movable and fixed components, leading to inefficiencies and potential looseness at connecting portions.
Innovation Solution
A valve operating mechanism where a torsion spring is disposed between the link member and the actuator rod, which moves in the same direction, biasing them to contact each other, reducing the need for a large actuator and preventing looseness by aligning the biasing force with the operational direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the torsion spring is disposed between the link member and the actuator bracket, then the looseness at the connecting portion is prevented, but a large-sized actuator is required to overcome the biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the torsion spring between the link member and actuator rod instead of between the link member and actuator bracket. This reverses the direction of the biasing force so that it acts in the same direction as the actuator rod's movement, eliminating the need to overcome the spring force and allowing a smaller actuator to be used.
2Speed
If the torsion spring is disposed between the link member and the actuator rod, then the responsiveness is improved and actuator size is reduced, but the biasing force may cause abrasion at the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bush as an intermediary component between the actuator rod and link member. This bush receives the biasing force from the torsion spring and distributes it, preventing direct contact and abrasion between the actuator rod and link member while still allowing the biasing force to prevent looseness and improve responsiveness.
3Device complexity
If the torsion spring is disposed between the link member and the actuator bracket, then the structure is simple, but the actuator rod and link member may become loose at the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is configured to apply a preliminary biasing force that continuously pushes the actuator rod and link member toward each other, preventing looseness at the connecting portion before it can occur during operation. This preliminary action ensures reliable connection without requiring complex additional structures.
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 responsiveness and prevents looseness at the connecting portion, allowing for efficient operation without the need for a large-sized actuator, while also reducing the risk of abrasion and improving the mechanism's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring is provided. One end of the torsion spring engages with the link member while the other end of the torsion spring engages with an actuator bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A valve operating mechanism includes a valve body provided at an air passage of an internal combustion engine, an actuator causing the valve body to rotate so as to adjust a cross-sectional area of the air passage, a shaft body supporting the valve body, a link member connected to the shaft body and integrally rotating with the valve body, an actuator rod rotatably connected to the link member and transmitting a driving force of the actuator to the link member, and a biasing member arranged between the link member and the actuator rod and biasing the link member and the actuator rod so as to contact each other.