Valve Assembly Particle Retainer Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel leakage from fluid injection valves in internal combustion engines due to contaminants can disrupt the combustion process and potentially damage the engine, as existing solutions like filter cartridges and internal filters may not effectively prevent particle contamination from reaching the valve seat.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly for fluid injection valves that incorporates a particle retainer element positioned downstream of movable parts, which filters contaminants and prevents them from reaching the valve seat, while maintaining compact dimensions and simple assembly, using a design that includes a flange portion, trench portion, and filtering holes to ensure effective particle retention without obstructing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter cartridge is disposed adjacent to the fuel inlet end, then particle filtration is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The particle retainer element is merged with the valve needle assembly, forming an integrated unit where the retainer element is positioned on the valve needle shaft. This combines the filtration function with the existing valve mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate filter cartridge assembly while maintaining particle filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle retainer element utilizes the radial dimension by extending circumferentially around the valve needle shaft, creating a filtering barrier in the radial direction rather than requiring a separate axial filter assembly. This dimensional approach allows filtration without increasing overall assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If an internal lower filter with self-supporting guide is used, then particle retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle retainer element is integrated directly onto the valve needle shaft, merging the filtration function with the valve needle assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate self-supporting guide structure while maintaining particle retention capability through the retainer element's circumferential design.
3Reliability
If a planar disk filter with filter holes is used, then particle filtration is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The particle retainer element is formed as an integrated part of the valve needle assembly, combining the filtering function with the existing valve mechanism. This integration simplifies assembly by eliminating separate filter components and their installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle retainer element employs a circumferential barrier structure with controlled permeability, allowing fluid passage while retaining particles. This porous-like structure achieves filtration without requiring complex filter hole patterns or multiple disk layers.
4Reliability
If the particle retainer element is positioned downstream of movable parts, then particle retention effectiveness is improved, but the valve needle movement space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The particle retainer element is positioned in the radial dimension around the valve needle shaft rather than occupying axial space. This allows the element to be downstream of movable parts for effective particle retention while maintaining sufficient axial clearance for valve needle reciprocating motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle retainer element is positioned at a specific location on the valve needle shaft where it can effectively intercept particles without interfering with the valve needle's reciprocating movement. The local positioning optimizes both particle retention and valve operation.
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 particle contamination reaching the valve seat, ensuring a fluid-tight closure and preventing damage to the engine, while maintaining efficient fluid flow and compact design, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the fuel injection system.
Implementation Method 1
a particle retainer element, which is positioned in the cavity in such fashion that it bears on the bottom surface of the first portion and circumferentially surrounds the shaft of the valve needle and overlaps with the opening
Implementation Method 2
The particle retainer element is configured to retain particles in a centrifugal direction, ensuring that particles are prevented from passing through the opening into the second portion of the cavity
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic actuator assembly comprises a pole piece which is positionally fix relative to the valve body... The electromagnetic actuator assembly may further expediently comprise a coil for generating a magnetic field to attract the armature towards the pole piece
Data Source
Figure 1A~4
Figure 5~10
Figure 11~14
AI summary
A valve assembly (10) and a fluid injection valve (1) are disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a valve body (100) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a cavity (110), a valve needle (200), and an armature (300). The cavity (110) has a first portion (112) accommodating the armature (300) and being limited in axial direction towards a fluid outlet end (130) by a bottom surface (114) having a central opening (116). A second portion (118) of the cavity (110) extends from the central opening (116) towards the fluid outlet end (130) . A shaft (240) of the valve needle (200) extends through the opening (116) into the second portion (118). A particle retainer element (400) is positioned in the cavity (110) such that it bears on the bottom surface (114), circumferentially surrounds the shaft (240) of the valve needle (200) and overlaps with the opening (116).