Valve Surface Recesses for High-Frequency Switching Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves experience reduced fluid flow rates due to increased plastic deformation of the valve seat and valve element surfaces during high switching frequencies, leading to impaired opening behavior and insufficient time for the valve element to move fully into its second position.

Innovation Solution

The valve seat and/or valve element are provided with a surface structure featuring recesses to reduce adhesive effects, allowing for easier movement and maintaining reliable operation even at high switching frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the valve operates at high switching frequencies, then the fluid flow rate should be maintained, but plastic deformation of the valve seat and valve element surfaces increases, leading to impaired opening behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidopening behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a specific surface structure (recesses or roughness) locally to the valve element surface that contacts the valve seat. This localized modification reduces adhesive effects at the contact interface without affecting other parts of the valve, thereby maintaining reliable opening behavior even at high switching frequencies while preserving fluid flow rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If the valve element moves rapidly between positions, then switching frequency increases, but adhesive effects between the valve seat and valve element increase, causing sticking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidadhesive effect

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A surface structure consisting of recesses or increased surface roughness is applied locally to the valve element surface that contacts the valve seat. This localized modification reduces the adhesive effect between the contacting surfaces, enabling rapid switching without sticking while maintaining the integrity of the sealing interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 recesses facilitate rapid and reliable switching of the valve, ensuring consistent fluid flow and fluid flow rates throughout the valve's service life by minimizing surface adhesion and plastic deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a surface structure having several recesses to reduce the adhesive effect between the valve seat and the valve element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive effect reduction: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4707645A1Valve for a fluid flow device and method for producing such a valve

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 AUDI AG

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (1) for a flow control device, comprising a valve seat (2) and a valve element (3) that is displaceable relative to the valve seat (2). In a first position, the valve element rests against the valve seat (2) to adjust a first flow cross-section through the valve seat (2), and in a second position, it is spaced apart from the valve seat (2) to adjust a second flow cross-section through the valve seat (2) that differs from the first. The valve seat (2) and/or the valve element (3) are provided with a surface structure (7) having several recesses (8, 9, 10) to reduce any adhesion between the valve seat (2) and the valve element (3).