Vehicle Valve Assembly With Dynamic Opening Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in vehicles, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, suffer from inefficiencies due to fixed opening pressures in overflow valves, leading to energy waste as air compressors operate at higher pressures than needed, resulting in high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a flow closing member that adjusts its opening pressure dynamically based on the system pressure, using forces applied to different areas of the member to control its movement, ensuring the compressor operates at the correct pressure, thereby avoiding energy waste.
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 the air storage tank pressure. The flow closing member is displaceable between open and closed positions, allowing the valve to adapt its opening pressure to match system requirements rather than operating at a fixed pressure threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes the pressure parameter dynamically. The opening pressure is no longer fixed but varies according to the air storage tank pressure, allowing the compressor to operate at optimal pressure levels and reduce energy consumption when system pressure requirements are lower.
2Device complexity
If the valve opens at a higher fixed pressure, then the spring mechanism is simpler, but the compressor consumes more power
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly changes the operating pressure parameter dynamically based on air storage tank pressure. This allows the compressor to operate at lower power consumption levels when the system does not require high pressure, while still maintaining the necessary spring mechanism for flow closing member displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve introduces dynamic pressure adjustment capability, allowing the system to adapt compressor operation to actual demand. The flow closing member's displaceable design enables the valve to respond to changing system pressure requirements, optimizing power consumption.
3Device complexity
If a fixed opening pressure valve is used, then the valve design is straightforward, but the opening pressure does not match system pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing the opening pressure to match the air storage tank pressure. The flow closing member can be displaced between open and closed positions based on pressure differential, enabling the valve to adapt to varying system pressure requirements rather than operating at a fixed threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure-regulating valve, a flow control device, and an adaptive pressure-matching mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single valve design to handle varying system requirements without needing multiple fixed-pressure valves.
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 valve assembly ensures the air compressor operates at the necessary pressure, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency by allowing the opening pressure to match the system pressure, thus optimizing energy use.
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 is 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 is 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
Implementation Method 3
an additional inlet in pressurized communication with a third area region A3 of the flow closing member, the third area region being located on an opposite side of the flow closing member than the first and second area regions, whereby a third pressure is applied to the third area region A3 of the flow closing member, resulting in a third force F3 which is the product of the third pressure P3 and the area of the third area region subjected to the third pressure, whereby the third force is directed to exert a counteracting force to the first and second forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a valve assembly (20) for a fluid management system (11) of a vehicle (10), said valve assembly comprising: a valve body (22) having an inner volume (21) defining at least a first chamber (21a), a second chamber (21b), a breathing chamber (21c) in fluid communication with atmosphere, and a fluid medium flow path (23) extending through the valve body, the fluid medium flow path having an inlet (25) for receiving a fluid medium and an outlet (26) for said fluid medium, said first chamber being at least partly disposed in the fluid medium flow path, a flow closing member (27) displaceable arranged within the valve body and configured to control the flow of fluid medium from said inlet to said outlet via said first chamber, said flow closing member being displaceable between an open position (OP), in which fluid medium is permitted to flow in the fluid medium flow path from the inlet to the outlet via the first chamber, and a closed position (CP), in which said flow closing member is positioned to prevent fluid medium to flow in the fluid medium flow path from the inlet to the outlet.