Valve Plunger Anti-Rotation Flexible Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves used to control exhaust gas lines in motor vehicles face challenges in achieving low leakage rates due to unwanted rotary movements of the closing body, which falsify the position determination by magnetic sensors, leading to error-prone operation and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A valve design that incorporates an additional component with a flexible area to prevent rotary movements of the ram, ensuring the distance between the magnet and sensor is defined solely by linear motion, with a secure connection to the ram and housing to maintain error-free operation while keeping the design simple and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the plunger is connected to additional components to prevent rotational movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane connection between the plunger and the additional component (such as a gear or cam). This membrane allows linear movement of the plunger while preventing rotational movement, thereby ensuring accurate position determination by the magnetic sensor without requiring complex rigid mechanical constraints. The flexible membrane achieves the anti-rotation function with minimal structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If extensive modifications are made to the drive or plunger connection to prevent rotational movement, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane connection inherently accommodates manufacturing tolerances. Unlike rigid connections that require precise form and position tolerances to function correctly, the flexible membrane provides compliance that absorbs dimensional variations, making the system less sensitive to manufacturing precision requirements while still effectively preventing rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical connection parameters from rigid to flexible. This parameter change allows the system to maintain measurement precision while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. The flexible membrane's physical properties (elasticity, flexibility) are optimized to provide the necessary constraint against rotation while accommodating normal manufacturing variations.
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 solution ensures accurate and reliable valve operation with minimal additional effort, preventing disturbing movements and maintaining a simple construction, thereby reducing production costs and ensuring long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor is used to determine the closing element's position. A magnet is attached to the plunger, and a sensor is positioned at a distance from it. Changes in the distance between the magnet and the sensor are used to determine the position.
Implementation Method 2
The additional component has a flexible section that allows it to move in such a way that it follows the linear movement of the plunger. This has the advantage that the additional component prevents rotation of the plunger without affecting its linear movement. The flexible section acts like a spring, allowing one end of the additional component to be fixed while the other end follows the plunger's movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Valve comprising a housing (1), an actuator (2, 3), a plunger (4) connected to the actuator, a closing element (10) connected to the plunger which interacts with a valve seat (9), a magnet arranged at one end of the plunger (4), and a sensor (5) arranged opposite the magnet. The plunger is connected to an additional component (11) which is designed to prevent rotational movements of the plunger.