Piezoelectric Valve Seat Sensor for Accurate Seating Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of valve seating force in internal combustion engines is challenging due to the narrow working space and interference from other parts, making conventional methods like strain gauges difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor comprising a mounting boss, force bearing element, piezoelectric element, annular thin-wall shell, and annular diaphragm with a T-shaped section, designed to measure seating force by converting impact loads into proportional voltage using piezoelectric effect, with a lead connected to a data acquisition system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement means such as strain gauges are used, then indirect calculation of valve seating force can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in arrangement on the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device installed in the valve seat to directly measure the contact force between the valve and valve seat. This sensor acts as a mediator that converts the mechanical contact force into an electrical signal, eliminating the need for indirect calculation methods and improving measurement precision while being easier to install than traditional strain gauges on the valve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement methods (strain gauges requiring complex arrangement) with a specialized sensor that directly converts mechanical contact force into electrical signals through piezoelectric or strain gauge elements integrated into the sensor structure, simplifying the measurement process and improving accuracy
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged on other distribution transmission parts, then valve seating force can be obtained through indirect calculation, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex transmission parts and concentrates it into a single sensor element installed directly in the valve seat. This extraction eliminates the need for complex indirect calculation through multiple transmission components, simplifying the overall measurement system while improving precision by measuring the force directly at the point of contact
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor serves as an intermediary device that directly measures the valve seating force at the valve seat interface, eliminating the need for complex indirect measurement through transmission parts. The sensor converts the mechanical contact force directly into an electrical signal, simplifying the measurement system and improving accuracy
3Measurement precision
If direct measurement on valve seat is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to narrow working space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor with a compact nested structure where the piezoelectric or strain gauge elements are integrated within a small housing that fits into the valve seat's narrow working space. The sensor components are nested concentrically, with the sensing element at the center surrounded by protective and structural elements, allowing direct measurement without requiring excessive space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled structures and flexible diaphragms in the sensor design that can adapt to the narrow working space of the valve seat. The thin-wall shell and diaphragm structures provide the necessary mechanical functionality while occupying minimal space, enabling direct measurement in the constrained environment
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 sensor allows for direct and accurate measurement of valve seating force without interfering with engine operation, providing real and convincing results under simulated working conditions.
Implementation Method 1
designed to measure seating force by converting impact loads into proportional voltage using piezoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a sensor for measuring seating force of an engine intake and exhaust valve and a measuring method. The sensor comprises a mounting boss, a force bearing element, a piezoelectric element, an annular thin-wall shell and an annular diaphragm with a T-shaped section. Meanwhile, the present disclosure also provides a measuring method by using the sensor. The sensor is simple in mechanism and convenient to use, has certain universality, and can realize the measurement of the impact load of the engine intake and exhaust valve.