Variable Sealing Gap Valve Reduces Actuating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air spring system valves for motor vehicles require high actuating forces due to high and fluctuating pressures, leading to large dimensions, high electrical energy requirements, and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The air spring system incorporates electromagnetically actuated valves with a sealing gap that varies in width based on the axial position of the closure element, reducing actuating forces by minimizing static friction through dynamic seal positioning, allowing for reduced drive unit dimensions and energy consumption, and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dynamic seal is pressed against the surrounding components to ensure adequate tightness under high and fluctuating pressures, then sealing reliability is improved, but large actuating forces are required leading to increased drive unit dimensions and electrical energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gap width is made variable rather than constant, changing dynamically with the axial position of the closure element. In the first axial position, the gap is wider reducing friction and actuating forces. In the second axial position, the gap narrows to press the seal against the components for reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameter of the sealing gap width is changed as a function of the closure element's axial position. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between two states: low friction for actuation and high contact pressure for sealing, eliminating the need to design for maximum force throughout the entire stroke.
2Reliability
If the dynamic seal is pressed against the surrounding components to ensure adequate tightness, then sealing reliability is improved, but the valve actuation becomes more difficult and assembly more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gap width is made variable rather than constant, changing dynamically with the axial position of the closure element. In the first axial position, the gap is wider reducing friction and actuating forces. In the second axial position, the gap narrows to press the seal against the components for reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a constant sealing gap is maintained, then assembly is simplified, but large actuating forces are required throughout the entire stroke to overcome friction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gap width is made variable rather than constant, changing dynamically with the axial position of the closure element. In the first axial position, the gap is wider reducing friction and actuating forces. In the second axial position, the gap narrows to press the seal against the components for reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
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 design reduces the actuating forces and energy requirements, enhances valve switching speed, and simplifies assembly by optimizing the sealing gap's width based on the valve's position, resulting in a more efficient and easier-to-assemble valve system.
Implementation Method 1
Such valves are usually designed as pressure-balanced valves. This means that the pressure applied axially on a front side of the closure element is directed to the axially opposite rear side of the closure element. The resulting pressure equalization between the two sides of the closure element facilitates axial displacement of the closure element and prevents uncontrolled displacement of the first element
Implementation Method 2
valves for filling and emptying the air spring bellows, valves for switching on or blocking accumulators in the system, and valves via which the bellows volume can be connected to additional volume if required. Such valves are preferably actuated electromagnetically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~2B
AI summary
An electrically or electromagnetically actuated valve (1) has a sealing element (5) that is axially displaceable between a closed and an open position. The sealing element (5) is pressure-balanced by transferring the pressure applied to the front side to the rear side of the sealing element (5). Between the front and rear sides, the sealing element is radially sealed against a surrounding component (15) by means of a dynamic seal (14). The circumferential sealing gap (16) varies depending on the axial position of the sealing element (5), such that the dynamic seal (14) only seals reliably in the closed position, while in other positions the static friction of the dynamic seal (14) is reduced.