Vehicle Valve Using Shape Memory Alloy for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle valves require complex structures and separate temperature adjustment devices, leading to increased manufacturing costs, weight, and flow resistance, while offering limited responsiveness and reliability in controlling fluid flow based on operating fluid temperature.
Innovation Solution
A valve with a simple structure utilizing a shape memory alloy transformation member that expands or contracts according to the operating fluid's temperature, selectively opening or closing exhaust ports to manage fluid flow, reducing constituent elements and improving temperature responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve structure with separate temperature adjustment device is used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature adjustment device and the valve into a single integrated unit. The transformation member made of shape memory alloy directly forms both the temperature sensing function and the valve closing action, eliminating the need for separate temperature adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable fluid control based on temperature changes
2Reliability
If a conventional valve with multiple constituents is used, then the valve can perform temperature-based control, but the manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve integrates multiple functions into a single transformation member made of shape memory alloy. This single component performs temperature sensing, actuation, and valve closing functions that would traditionally require multiple separate constituents, thereby reducing overall valve weight while maintaining reliable temperature-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation member is made of shape memory alloy, a composite material that exhibits unique properties including temperature-dependent shape changes. This material enables the valve to achieve reliable temperature-based control with reduced weight compared to conventional materials that would require additional components
3Reliability
If a conventional valve structure is used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interior is designed with segmented flow paths including a first exhaust port for high-temperature fluid and a second exhaust port for low-temperature fluid. This segmentation allows optimized flow control for different temperature conditions, reducing flow resistance while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through appropriate port selection
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, weight, and flow resistance, enhances responsiveness and reliability, and improves cooling performance by maintaining uniform fluid exhaust and reducing power consumption of the water pump.
Implementation Method 1
The transformation member is a shape memory alloy material that expands or contracts according to the temperature of the operating fluid
Implementation Method 2
a transformation portion that is formed between the fixed portions and expands or contracts according to the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus for the vehicle that may be disposed in a vehicle to exhaust operating fluid, which flows therein, to the outside, may include a main body that has at least one exhaust port and input port and the operating fluid flows there in through the input port, and an opening/closing unit that may be disposed in the main body, wherein the opening/closing unit selectively fluid-connects one of the at least a exhaust port with the input port according to a temperature of the operating fluid such that the inflow operating fluid may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port.