Valve Assembly Segment Gear Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for throttle devices in vehicles lack a reliable mechanism to return to their initial position when power is shut off, leading to potential damage and performance degradation, especially in electronic throttle valves.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a segment gear and a pair of elastic members, including a first and second coil spring, that automatically returns the plate to its initially-set position when power is shut off, using the elastic restoring force of the springs to rotate the segment gear and limit the angle of rotation to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve assembly uses an electronic actuator to control the open ratio of a throttle valve, then the performance and drivability of the vehicle are improved, but when the supply of electric power is shut off, the open ratio of the valve assembly does not return to the initial position, leading to potential damage and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring a return mechanism (elastic member or motor) that automatically activates when power is shut off. This mechanism counteracts the stuck position of the valve by applying a restoring force to return the valve to its initial position, preventing the harmful effect of valve malfunction without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a buffer mechanism (such as a buffer member or controlled return path) that prevents the valve from returning too quickly or with excessive force. This cushioning effect protects the valve and surrounding components from damage during the power-off return process, ensuring reliable operation.
2Productivity
If a throttle device is configured with a motor to automatically open the throttle valve for minimum air supply during idling, then the engine operation is improved, but the assembly performance deteriorates and the size of the article increases due to separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the motor, return mechanism, and throttle valve control into a unified assembly. The motor and return mechanism share common mounting structures and control systems, reducing the number of separate components and improving assembly performance while maintaining the automatic minimum air supply function during idling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the motor to perform multiple functions: it controls the throttle valve opening during normal operation, provides minimum air supply during idling, and works in conjunction with the return mechanism to restore the valve position when power is shut off. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Device complexity
If the minimum angle of opening of the throttle valve is mechanically fixed by welding in the fabrication process, then the configuration is simplified, but the amount of air changes significantly due to machining and assembly errors, making it difficult to accurately set the minimum amount of air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed mechanical welding configuration with an adjustable mechanism. The throttle valve minimum opening angle can be dynamically adjusted through mechanical adjustments or electronic control, allowing precise setting of the minimum air amount while maintaining a simplified overall configuration. This adjustability compensates for machining and assembly variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the minimum opening angle a variable parameter rather than a fixed value. Through adjustable mechanisms or electronic control, the opening angle parameter can be precisely tuned to achieve the desired minimum air amount, overcoming the limitations of fixed mechanical configurations affected by manufacturing tolerances.
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
Ensures safe and reliable return of the valve to its initial position, reducing the risk of damage and improving vehicle performance by using a simple configuration that minimizes part count and volume, while preventing over-rotation and ensuring the valve remains functional even without power.
Implementation Method 1
a returning means including a pair of elastic members which are provided on the segment gear, wherein, when the driving force from the drive motor that has been acting on the intermediate gear is shut off, the segment gear is rotated by a different one of the pair of elastic members according to whether the plate is deployed to an open or closed position, thereby returning the plate to an initially-set position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve assembly and, more particularly, to a valve assembly which has a simple configuration to return a valve from an open or closed position to an initially-set position when the supply of electric power to a drive motor which controls the open ratio of the valve is shut off.