Vehicle Valve Assembly With Variable Opening Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve systems in compressed air management for heavy-duty vehicles operate at higher pressures than needed, leading to energy waste due to fixed opening pressures, which are not dynamically adjusted based on system pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a flow closing member that is displaceable between open and closed positions, controlled by force differences between pressure areas, allowing for variable opening pressure equal to the system pressure, thereby preventing the air compressor from operating above the necessary pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed opening pressure valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the compressor operates at higher pressure than needed causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly dynamically adjusts the opening pressure based on system conditions. The flow closing member can be positioned at different locations along the flow path, creating variable opening pressures that adapt to the actual system pressure requirements, eliminating the need for a fixed high opening pressure setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening pressure parameter is made variable rather than fixed. By changing the position of the flow closing member along the flow path, the effective opening pressure changes dynamically to match system requirements, preventing energy waste from operating at unnecessarily high pressures.
2Stress or pressure
If the valve opening pressure is set high, then the valve can maintain pressure in the system, but the compressor operates above necessary pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The valve provides dynamic pressure maintenance rather than static high-pressure maintenance. The flow closing member position adjusts to maintain the exact pressure needed by the system, preventing the compressor from operating at higher than necessary pressures while still ensuring adequate system pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly automatically adjusts to maintain system pressure without external control. The flow closing member responds to pressure differential forces, automatically positioning itself to maintain the correct system pressure and prevent compressor over-pressurization.
3Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used for valve operation, then the valve provides fixed opening pressure, but the system cannot adapt to varying pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The valve transitions from static spring-based operation to dynamic position-based operation. The flow closing member can be positioned at multiple locations along the flow path, allowing the valve to adapt to varying pressure levels while maintaining ease of operation through automatic pressure-responsive positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening pressure parameter is changed from a fixed value determined by spring preload to a variable value determined by flow closing member position. This allows the system to adapt to varying pressure requirements while maintaining simple automatic 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
This configuration ensures the air compressor operates at the correct pressure, reducing energy waste by dynamically adjusting the opening pressure to match the system pressure, thus optimizing energy efficiency in fluid management systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet is in pressurized communication with a first area region A1 of the flow closing member when the flow closing member is in the closed position, whereby a first pressure P1 being applied to the first area region A1 of the flow closing member, resulting in a first force F1 which is the product of the first pressure P1 and the area of the first area region subjected to the first pressure
Implementation Method 2
The outlet is in pressurized communication with a second area region A2 of the flow closing member when the flow closing member is in the open position, whereby a second pressure P2 being applied to the second area region A2 of the flow closing member, resulting in a second force F2 which is the product of the second pressure and the area of the second area region subjected to the second pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a fluid management system of a vehicle is provided The valve assembly includes: a valve body having an inner volume defining at least a first chamber, a second chamber, a breathing chamber in fluid communication with atmosphere, and a fluid medium flow path extending through the valve body, the fluid medium flow path having an inlet for receiving a fluid medium and an outlet for said fluid medium, said first chamber being at least partly disposed in the fluid medium flow path. A flow closing member is displaceable arranged within the valve body to control the flow of fluid medium from the inlet to the outlet via the first chamber. The flow closing member is displaceable between an open position, in which fluid medium may flow in the fluid medium flow path from the inlet to the outlet via the first chamber, and a closed position, in which said flow closing member prevents fluid medium to flow in the fluid medium flow path from the inlet to the outlet.