Rotary valve system

Abstract

A rotary valve system assembly for an internal combustion engine cooling system is disclosed. A rotary valve system assembly includes a housing, a valve assembly, an actuator, and a seal. The housing includes a valve cavity and a manifold that allows fluid to flow to and from the rotary valve system. The valve assembly includes one or more valve cartridges that control a volume of fluid through the valve. The actuator rotates the spool by abutting with the spool via a drive gear connected with a gear portion included on each spool. When the spool rotates, a discharge hole disposed around the circumference of the cylindrical body may partially or fully overlap with an inlet port of the housing to the manifold, which allows for control of the volume of fluid flowing through the valve and into the manifold and into the outside.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,878, filed on July 10, 2023, and entitled “Rotating Valve System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Internal combustion engines typically employ a thermal management system to ensure optimal temperature control of various components within the engine, transmission, electrical system, etc. The thermal management system typically includes one or more coolant valves to control the flow of coolant throughout the engine and other heat generating components.

[0004] Sometimes it is also necessary to provide different volumes and velocities of fluid. To this end, it is desirable to use a coolant valve that enables the volume and flow rate of fluid through a line or other flow path to be varied. Despite advances, there remains a need for an improved valve that can vary the fluid path and volume as required by the vehicle's thermal management system. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to a rotary valve system assembly substantially as shown and described in connection with at least one of the accompanying drawings and as more fully set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar structures. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] Figure 1a A perspective view of an example rotary valve system according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 1b A perspective view of an example rotary valve system is shown with some components omitted to better illustrate its internal components.

[0009] Figure 1c An exploded view of an example rotary valve system is shown.

[0010] Figure 2a A perspective view of an example valve assembly with a drive assembly is shown.

[0011] Figure 2bA cross-sectional view of a housing with a valve core therein is shown, with example fluid flow patterns illustrated using dashed arrows.

[0012] Figure 2c The rotary valve system is shown during a transition between a first closed position and an open position.

[0013] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A first perspective view and a second perspective view of an example valve core are shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the flow interface between the valve plug and the housing.

[0015] Figure 5 An exploded view of an example drive assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise specified or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the description of the range of values ​​herein is not intended to be limited, but refers to any and all values ​​falling within and / or including the range individually, and each individual value within such a range is included in the specification, just as it is described individually in this article. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "back" are words of convenience and should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples, the position of the first side is adjacent to or close to the second side, the terms "first side" and "second side" do not mean any particular order in which these sides are sorted.

[0017] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc. should be understood to indicate the deviation allowed for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Values ​​and / or ranges of values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("for example", "such as", etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "such as" and "for example" provide a list with one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0018] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items in the list connected by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z".

[0019] A rotary valve system is disclosed, the rotary valve system having two or more rotary control valves configured to rotate to provide a desired cooling path and flow rate. In one example, the rotary valve system includes: a housing defining a valve cavity, wherein the housing includes one or more inlet ports and one or more housing outlet ports; a valve assembly positioned in the valve cavity and configured to receive fluid via the one or more inlet ports at a first rate and output fluid via the one or more housing outlet ports at a second rate, wherein the valve assembly includes a plurality of valve cores mechanically engaged with each other, and each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position; and a drive assembly configured to rotate the plurality of valve cores between the first position and the second position.

[0020] In another example, a valve assembly configured to receive a fluid at a first rate and output a fluid at a second rate includes: a first valve core; and a second valve core that is mechanically engaged with the first valve core, wherein each of the first valve core and the second valve core is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position; and wherein each of the first valve core and the second valve core includes a gear portion and a body portion that defines an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and at least one exhaust hole located in a side wall of the body portion for conveying the fluid.

[0021] In another example, a rotary valve system includes: a housing defining a valve cavity, wherein the housing includes one or more inlet ports and one or more housing outlet ports; and a valve assembly positioned in the valve cavity and configured to receive fluid via the one or more inlet ports at a first rate and to output fluid via the one or more housing outlet ports at a second rate, wherein the valve assembly includes a plurality of valve cores mechanically engaged with each other, and each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the plurality of valve cores includes a gear portion and a body portion, the body portion defining an inlet port and at least one exhaust hole, the inlet port being configured to receive fluid from the one or more inlet ports, the at least one exhaust hole being located in a side wall of the body portion and configured to deliver fluid to one of the one or more housing outlet ports.

[0022] In some examples, each of the plurality of valve cores includes a body portion and a gear portion. The body portion defines an inlet port configured to receive fluid from the one or more inlet ports and at least one exhaust hole located in a sidewall of the body portion and configured to deliver the fluid to one of the one or more housing outlet ports. Each valve core may include a first support structure and / or a second support structure to support the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

[0023] When in the first position, the at least one discharge hole is configured to not align with any of the one or more housing outlet ports to prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, and when in the second position, the at least one discharge hole is configured to fully align with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable fluid to flow therethrough. Each of the plurality of valve cores may be configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via one or more intermediate positions, in which the at least one discharge hole is configured to partially align with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable a portion of the fluid to flow therethrough.

[0024] In some examples, the seal is positioned at the flow interface between the housing and the valve core. The seal may include a PTFE ring and an annular ring. The annular ring may be configured to provide a spring force that biases the PTFE ring to maintain contact with the surface of the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

[0025] In some examples, the manifold is coupled to the housing and is configured to receive fluid via one or more housing outlet ports. In some examples, the drive assembly includes an actuator, a drive shaft, and a drive gear. The drive gear is configured to interface with the valve assembly via a gear portion formed in one of the plurality of valve cores or formed on one of the plurality of valve cores. In some examples, the drive assembly further includes a support structure and a seal, which are arranged around at least a portion of the drive shaft.

[0026] Figure 1a A perspective view of an example rotary valve system 100 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1b A perspective view of a rotary valve system 100 is shown with some components omitted to better illustrate the internal components thereof. Figure 1c An exploded view of an example rotary valve system 100 is shown. As shown, the rotary valve system 100 generally includes a valve assembly 102, a housing 104, one or more manifolds 106, and a drive assembly 114.

[0027] In operation, a fluid 116 (e.g., water, coolant, gas, etc.) enters the rotary valve system 100 via the housing inlet port 108 at a first rate, passes through the housing 104, the valve assembly 102, each of the one or more manifolds 106, and then exits the rotary valve system 100 via the manifold outlet port 110 at a second rate. The second rate, which is variable and can be adjusted in real time during operation, ranges from a flow rate less than the first rate (including zero flow) to a flow rate equal to the first rate. For example, by controlling the drive assembly 114, the second rate can be adjusted between a first position (e.g., no flow-closed position) and a second position (e.g., full flow-open position) via various intermediate positions (e.g., reduced flow).

[0028] The valve assembly 102 includes a plurality of valve cores 118. In the illustrated example, the valve assembly 102 includes four valve cores 118, however, more or fewer valve cores 118 may be used depending on design specifications such as flow rate, flow volume, size of the rotary valve system 100, etc. Further, while the valve cores 118 are depicted as being arranged in a straight line (when viewed from above or below), other arrangements are contemplated, including but not limited to square arrangements, triangular arrangements, pentagonal arrangements, etc.

[0029] Each of the plurality of spools 118 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 120 in a first direction 122a and / or a second direction 122b. As shown, the rotation axes 120 of each of the plurality of spools 118 within the valve assembly 102 are parallel to one another.

[0030] Each valve core 118 includes a body portion 124 and a gear portion 126. The illustrated body portion 124 is formed as a cylindrical body that defines a hollow cavity 128c having an open end 128a (e.g., a first end) and a closed end 128b (e.g., a second end). The body portion 124 further defines one or more discharge holes 130 that may be formed in the sidewall of the cylindrical body. The open end 128a is fluidly coupled to the one or more discharge holes 130 via the hollow cavity 128c so that fluid can flow into the hollow cavity 128c via the open end 128a and out of the hollow cavity 128c via the one or more discharge holes 130.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the body portion 124 defines five discharge holes 130. Specifically, as will be described in conjunction with Figure 2b As discussed, two exhaust holes 130 are positioned on one side of the body portion 124 and are configured to deliver the fluid 116 to the first manifold 106, while three exhaust holes 130 are positioned on the other opposite side of the body portion 124 and are configured to deliver the fluid 116 to the second manifold 106. Although each valve core 118 is shown to include five exhaust holes 130, more or fewer exhaust holes 130 may be used depending on design specifications (such as flow rate, flow volume, height of the body portion 124, etc.). In addition, the exhaust holes 130 may be positioned at other locations of the body portion 124 and offset, for example, 45 to 135 degrees, rather than being positioned and offset by 180 degrees (e.g., at opposite sides of the body portion 124).

[0032] A gear portion 126 including a plurality of gear teeth is positioned or formed at or near the closed end 128b of the body portion 124. In some examples, the gear portion 126 and the body portion 124 are formed as an integral structure. For example, the body portion 124 can be formed together with the gear portion 126 during a manufacturing process (such as molding, additive manufacturing, etc.).

[0033] As shown, the spools 118 are configured to mechanically engage with each other via the gear portions 126, thereby effectively forming a gear train that is ultimately driven by the drive assembly 114. For example, as shown, each spool 118 mechanically engages one or more adjacent (e.g., adjacent) spools 118. In operation, the drive assembly 114 rotates the spools 118 by rotating a drive gear 132 that is connected to the gear train (e.g., via one of the gear portions 126).

[0034] The housing 104 includes or otherwise defines, among other things, a valve cavity 134, a plurality of housing inlet ports 108, and a plurality of housing outlet ports 136. The valve cavity 134 is sized and shaped to receive the valve assembly 102 therein. The plurality of housing inlet ports 108 are fluidly coupled to the plurality of housing outlet ports 136 via the valve cavity 134 so that fluid can flow into the valve cavity 134 via the inlet ports, flow through the valve assembly 102 received therein, and flow out of the valve cavity 134 (and the valve assembly 102) via the outlet ports 136.

[0035] In some examples, as shown, the valve assembly 102 can be sealed within the valve cavity 134 via a panel or cover, such as a removable cover 138 (e.g., a lid). To this end, the housing 104 can include a removable cover 138 that enables access to the valve cavity 134. The removable cover 138 can be used to facilitate repair or maintenance, such as the valve assembly 102. The removable cover 138 can be fixed to the rest of the housing 104 via, for example, threaded fasteners 140. Therefore, a portion of the housing 104 can be manufactured to define one or more threaded openings to engage the threaded fasteners 140. In other examples, the valve assembly 102 can be sealed within the valve cavity 134 via a permanent panel or cover, which can be sealed via, for example, an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0036] like Figure 1a and Figure 1c As shown, one or more manifolds 106 are fluidly coupled to the housing 104. In the example shown, the manifolds 106 are positioned on each side of the housing 104, however, more or fewer manifolds 106 may be used depending on design specifications such as flow rate, flow volume, size of the rotary valve system 100, etc. For example, when lower flow rates or volumes are envisioned, a single manifold 106 may be used. In either case, each manifold 106 is configured to receive a fluid flow from the valve assembly 102 via the housing 104 to ultimately deliver the fluid to another component through a manifold outlet port 110.

[0037] Each manifold 106 includes or otherwise defines, among other things, a plurality of manifold inlet ports 112 that are coupled to one or more manifold outlet ports 110 via one or more passages 142. The plurality of manifold inlet ports 112 are fluidly coupled to the one or more manifold outlet ports 110 via the one or more passages 142. When assembled, the manifold 106 is coupled to the housing 104 such that each manifold inlet port 112 is aligned at a flow interface with a respective one of the plurality of housing outlet ports 136 to facilitate fluid flow therethrough.

[0038] The housing 104, manifold 106, and drive assembly 114 may be secured to one another via, for example, threaded fasteners 140. To this end, one or more components may be manufactured to define one or more threaded openings configured to engage threaded fasteners 140. One or more seals 144 may be positioned at various flow interfaces between the valve core 118, the housing 104, and / or the manifold 106. In some examples, the seal 144 is positioned at the flow interface between each manifold inlet port 112 and its corresponding housing outlet port 136. The seal 144 may be positioned in or on one or more of the exhaust orifice 130, the manifold inlet port 112, and the housing outlet port 136.

[0039] One or more components of the rotary valve system 100 (e.g., housing 104, valve assembly 102, one or more manifolds 106, and drive assembly 114) can be manufactured using plastic injection techniques, additive manufacturing, or otherwise made of plastic materials. In some examples, one or more components of the rotary valve system 100 can be formed using metal or other metallic materials. In some examples, one or more components of the rotary valve system 100 can be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process.

[0040] Figure 2a A perspective view of an example valve assembly 102 and attached drive assembly 114 is shown. Figure 2b A cross-sectional view of the housing 104 is shown with the valve core 118 of the valve assembly 102 positioned therein. Figure 2c The rotary valve system 100 is shown transitioning between a first position (e.g., no flow - closed position) and a second position (e.g., full flow - open position) via an intermediate position (e.g., medium flow / reduced flow). For illustration purposes, Figure 2b and Figure 2c The manifold is omitted.

[0041] like Figure 2a As shown, the drive assembly 114 is configured to drive each of the plurality of valve cores 118 / rotate it around the rotation axis 120. In the example shown, the drive assembly 114 is configured to output a rotational force to drive the drive gear 132, thereby rotating the drive gear 132 in a first direction 122a around the rotation axis 120. The drive gear 132 is mechanically engaged with a gear train formed by the meshing gear portions 126 of the plurality of valve cores 118. Therefore, the drive assembly 114 is configured to rotate each valve core 118 around the rotation axis 120 in the first direction 122a or the second direction 122b.

[0042] Each valve core 118 is rotatably supported and guided during rotation within the valve cavity 134 by one or more support structures, such as a first support structure 202 positioned at the closed end 128b of the valve core 118 (e.g., at or near the gear portion 126) and a second support structure 204 positioned at the open end 128a of the valve core 118. Each of the first support structure 202 and the second support structure 204 is used to, among other things, stabilize the valve core 118 and reduce friction of the valve core during rotation.

[0043] refer to Figure 2b , fluid 116 enters hollow cavity 128c via inlet port 108 and exits hollow cavity 128c via one or more exhaust holes 130, which may or may not be aligned with housing outlet port 136 depending on the rotational position of valve core 118 within valve cavity 134.

[0044] refer to Figure 2c By controlling the drive assembly 114, the rotational position of the valve core 118 within the valve cavity 134 can be adjusted between a first position (e.g., a no-flow closed position) via various incremental intermediate positions (e.g., reduced flow rate) and a second position (e.g., a full-flow-open position). In other words, the discharge orifice 130 can be selectively aligned (whether partially aligned or fully aligned) with the housing outlet port 136 to adjust the flow rate through the rotary valve system 100 between a first position (e.g., a no-flow-closed position) via various intermediate positions (e.g., varying degrees of reduced flow) and a second position (e.g., a full-flow-open position).

[0045] The rotary valve system 100 is configured to adjust and operate in one of a plurality of operating modes (e.g., to provide different flow rates), and thus can be switched between operating modes to achieve a desired flow rate by selecting and setting the rotational position of each valve core 118. When the valve core 118 is adjusted in its rotational position by rotating about its rotational axis 120, the flow rate of the fluid 116 entering the manifold 106 through the discharge hole 130 (via the manifold inlet port 112) is determined by the overlapping area of ​​the discharge hole 130 and the housing outlet port 136 at the flow interface.

[0046] Contemplated operating modes include: no flow (e.g., completely stopping flow) via a closed position, wherein there is no overlap between the discharge orifice 130 and the housing outlet port 136; partial flow via an intermediate position, wherein reduced fluid flow is permitted due to only partial overlap of the discharge orifice 130 and the manifold inlet port 112; and full flow via an open position, wherein the discharge orifice 130 and the manifold inlet port 112 are fully aligned, thereby permitting maximum fluid flow into the manifold 106 and to the exterior. Figure 2c Most clearly illustrated, the varying overlap between the exhaust aperture 130 and the housing outlet port 136 resembles in shape a full, waxing, waning, or non-moon, wherein the flow volume is determined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the overlap at the flow interface.

[0047] Thus, when in the closed position, the drain hole 130 is not aligned with any of the housing outlet ports 136 to prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, while in the open position, the drain hole 130 is fully aligned with the housing outlet ports 136 to allow fluid to flow therethrough. In the intermediate position, the drain hole 130 is partially aligned with the housing outlet ports 136 to allow some fluid to flow therethrough depending on the degree of alignment / overlap.

[0048] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A perspective view of an example valve core according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the valve core 118 includes a body portion 124 and a gear portion 126. The body portion 124 defines one or more discharge holes 130 and a hollow cavity 128c having an open end 128a and a closed end 128b. Specifically, each valve core 118 defines a plurality of discharge holes 130 positioned in and through the side wall of the body portion 124.

[0049] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a flow interface between the body portion 124 and / or the discharge orifice 130 of the valve core 118 and the housing outlet port 136 of the housing 104 is shown. Depending on the rotational position of the valve core 118 within the valve cavity 134 of the housing 104, one or more seals 144 may be provided to form a fluid-tight seal between the housing outlet port 136 and the body portion 124 and / or the discharge orifice 130 of the valve core 118.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the one or more seals 144 are configured as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring 144a and an annular ring 144b (e.g., an O-ring). As the valve core 118 rotates, the PTFE ring 144a can pass over the surface of the body portion 124, while the annular ring 144b is positioned behind the PTFE ring 144a and is configured to provide a spring force to push the PTFE ring 144a against the body portion 124. In other words, the annular ring 144b is configured to provide a spring force that biases the PTFE ring 144a to maintain contact with the surface of the valve core during rotation of the valve core 118. The annular ring 144b can be made of one or more of the following: nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), fluorocarbon (Viton), perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) (Parfluor), silicone, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) (e.g., Santoprene TM ), polypropylene (PP), or a combination thereof.

[0051] The rotation of the spool 118 is driven by the drive assembly 114, which can be controlled via a processor operably connected to a memory device. When used in an automobile, the drive assembly 114 can be controlled via an electronic control unit (ECU) / electronic control module (ECM) of the vehicle. For example, the ECU / ECM can control the spool 118 to output a specified second flow rate based on one or more sensor readings (such as a thermometer, a flow sensor, etc.).

[0052] Figure 5 An exploded view of an example of an example drive assembly 114 is shown. The drive assembly 114 shown includes an actuator 508, a set of support structures 504, a seal 506, a drive shaft 502, and a drive gear 132.

[0053] The support structure group 504 is used to stabilize the drive shaft 502 and the drive gear 132 and reduce friction during the rotation of the drive shaft and the drive gear, while the seal 506 is used to reduce the infiltration of unwanted liquid and debris into the housing 104. The drive gear 132, when rotated via the drive shaft 502, drives the gear train to rotate each valve core 118 about the rotation axis 120 to manage the volume of fluid flowing through the rotary valve system 100. The drive gear 132 is attached to the actuator 508 via the drive shaft 502 and is driven by the actuator. When the actuator 508 rotates the drive gear 132, the gear train rotates to adjust the position of each valve core 118. The actuator 508 can be, for example, an electric motor having a housing.

[0054] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Alternatively, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A rotary valve system, comprising: a housing defining a valve cavity, wherein the housing includes one or more inlet ports and one or more housing outlet ports; a valve assembly positioned within the valve cavity and configured to receive fluid via the one or more inlet ports at a first rate and output the fluid via the one or more housing outlet ports at a second rate, wherein the valve assembly comprises a plurality of valve cores mechanically engaged with each other, and each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position; and A drive assembly is configured to rotate the plurality of valve spools between the first position and the second position.

2. The rotary valve system of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of valve cores includes a body portion and a gear portion.

3. The rotary valve system of claim 2, wherein: The body portion defines an inlet port configured to receive the fluid from the one or more inlet ports and at least one exhaust hole located in a sidewall of the body portion, the inlet port being configured to receive the fluid from the one or more inlet ports and the at least one exhaust hole being configured to deliver the fluid to one of the one or more housing outlet ports.

4. The rotary valve system of claim 3, wherein: When in the first position, the at least one drain hole is configured to be out of alignment with any of the one or more housing outlet ports to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

5. The rotary valve system of claim 3, wherein: When in the second position, the at least one exhaust aperture is configured to be fully aligned with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable fluid to flow therethrough.

6. The rotary valve system of claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via an intermediate position, and when in the intermediate position, the at least one exhaust hole is configured to be partially aligned with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable a portion of the fluid to flow therethrough.

7. The rotary valve system of claim 1, further comprising a seal positioned at a flow interface between the housing and the valve core.

8. The rotary valve system of claim 7, wherein: The seal includes a PTFE ring and an annular ring.

9. The rotary valve system of claim 8, wherein: The annular ring is configured to provide a spring force that biases the PTFE ring to maintain surface contact with the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

10. The rotary valve system of claim 1, further comprising a manifold coupled to the housing and configured to receive the fluid via the one or more housing outlet ports.

11. The rotary valve system of claim 1, wherein: Each valve core includes a first support structure and a second support structure to support the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

12. The rotary valve system of claim 1, wherein: The drive assembly includes an actuator, a drive shaft, and a drive gear, wherein the drive gear is configured to interface with the valve assembly via a gear portion formed in or on one of the plurality of valve cores.

13. The rotary valve system of claim 12, wherein: The drive assembly further includes a support structure and a seal surrounding at least a portion of the drive shaft.

14. A valve assembly, the valve assembly being configured to receive a fluid at a first rate and output the fluid at a second rate, the valve assembly comprising: The first valve core; as well as a second valve core, the second valve core being mechanically engaged with the first valve core, wherein each of the first valve core and the second valve core is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position; and Each of the first valve core and the second valve core includes a gear portion and a body portion, wherein the body portion defines an inlet port configured to receive the fluid and at least one exhaust hole located in a side wall of the body portion for conveying the fluid.

15. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein: Each valve core includes a first support structure and a second support structure to support the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

16. A rotary valve system comprising: a housing defining a valve cavity, wherein the housing includes one or more inlet ports and one or more housing outlet ports; and a valve assembly positioned within the valve cavity and configured to receive fluid via the one or more inlet ports at a first rate and output the fluid via the one or more housing outlet ports at a second rate, wherein the valve assembly comprises a plurality of valve cores mechanically engaged with each other, and each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position, Wherein, each valve core of the plurality of valve cores comprises a gear portion and a body portion, the body portion defining an inlet port and at least one exhaust hole located in a side wall of the body portion, the inlet port being configured to receive the fluid from the one or more inlet ports, and the at least one exhaust hole being configured to deliver the fluid to one of the one or more housing outlet ports.

17. The rotary valve system of claim 16, in, When in the first position, the at least one drain hole is configured to be out of alignment with any of the one or more housing outlet ports to prevent fluid flow therethrough, and When in the second position, the at least one exhaust aperture is configured to be fully aligned with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable fluid to flow therethrough.

18. The rotary valve system of claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of valve cores is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via an intermediate position, and when in the intermediate position, the at least one exhaust hole is configured to be partially aligned with one of the one or more housing outlet ports to enable a portion of the fluid to flow therethrough.

19. The rotary valve system of claim 16, further comprising a PTFE ring and an annular ring positioned at a flow interface between the housing and the valve core.

20. The rotary valve system of claim 19, wherein: The annular ring is configured to provide a spring force that biases the PTFE ring to maintain surface contact with the valve core during rotation of the valve core.

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