Cylindrical valve slide seal with raised contact ribs

Abstract

The invention relates to a cylindrical valve slide seal with raised contact ribs. A seal assembly includes a combination of an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the inner sleeve having a low friction sliding interface such that the seal assembly provides desired sealing force and friction characteristics. When assembled, the seal assembly surrounds the rotor such that the seal assembly is disposed between the outer surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. The inner sleeve includes one or more ribs in contact with the outer surface of the rotor, which concentrates seals in the region of the ribs. The concentration of the seal reduces the total friction between the rotor and the inner sleeve while maintaining a suitable sealing force. The ribs formed as part of the inner sleeve are spaced apart such that the openings of the rotor are positioned relative to the ribs in a desired manner regardless of the orientation of the rotor.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of provisional application 63 / 520,354, filed on August 18, 2023. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a seal assembly for a multi-port coolant flow control valve, the seal assembly including a sealing element having at least one sleeve, and the inner surface of the sleeve includes one or more ribs, wherein the sleeve is positioned within a cavity of a housing so that the sealing element is positioned and compressed between the inner surface of the housing and a rotor so that when the rotor is placed in one of a plurality of orientations, the ribs exert a force against the outer surface of the rotor to achieve a desired seal. Background Art

[0004] Multiport valves for directing fluids through various conduits are well known. Some of the more common valve types are three-port valves (or three-way valves) and four-port valves (or four-way valves), in which a single valve member is used to direct fluid from an inlet port to one of several outlet ports. Some multiport valves (or multi-way valves) include five-port orientations, in which multiple actuators are used to change the orientation of the valve to direct fluid flow as desired. There are also manifold valves, which have up to eight available ports, but offer very little flexibility to accommodate different flow patterns and different flow paths.

[0005] These current designs also have limitations in sealing flexibility, which results in restrictions on flow path design and efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a multi-port valve assembly that includes seals to provide efficiencies that facilitate desired flow paths and minimize leakage. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention is a sealing assembly comprising a combination of an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, such as an elastomeric energizer, the inner sleeve having a low friction sliding interface, so that the sealing assembly provides desired sealing force and friction characteristics. The sealing assembly can be one or more components, which, when assembled, are conical in shape and surround the rotor so that the sealing assembly is disposed between the outer surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the inner sleeve includes one or more ribs in contact with the outer surface of the rotor, which concentrates the seal in the area of ​​the ribs. The concentration of the seal reduces the total friction between the rotor and the inner sleeve while maintaining an appropriate sealing force. The ribs formed as part of the inner sleeve are spaced apart so that the opening of the slider is positioned in a desired manner relative to the ribs, regardless of the orientation of the slider during operation.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention is a sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly having a sealing element. In one embodiment, the sealing element includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve connected to the inner sleeve, and a plurality of holes extending through the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.

[0009] In one embodiment, a plurality of vertical ribs are integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the inner sleeve such that at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs is located between two of the plurality of holes, and a plurality of horizontal ribs are integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the inner sleeve such that each of the plurality of horizontal ribs is in continuous contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

[0010] In one embodiment, a plurality of support ribs are integrally formed as a part of the inner surface of the outer sleeve, each of the plurality of support ribs contacts and supports a corresponding one of the plurality of vertical ribs or a corresponding one of the plurality of horizontal ribs. At least one of the plurality of vertical ribs and at least one of the plurality of horizontal ribs contact the outer surface of the rotor.

[0011] In one embodiment, a plurality of external ribs are integrally formed as part of the outer surface of the outer sleeve, and each of the plurality of external ribs is in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of support ribs is supported by a corresponding one of the plurality of external ribs.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sealing element includes a first plane extending through the sealing element, a first level on one side of the first plane, and a second level on an opposite side of the first plane relative to the first level. The second plane extends through the sealing element, the second level is disposed between the first plane and the second plane, and the third level is on an opposite side of the second plane relative to the second level. A portion of the vertical rib is integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level, another portion of the vertical rib is integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the second level, and another portion of the vertical rib is integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level.

[0014] In one embodiment, a portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs lies in the first plane and another portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs lies in the second plane.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first one of the plurality of vertical ribs is disposed between two of the plurality of holes, a second one of the plurality of vertical ribs is disposed between two of the plurality of holes, and a first circumferential spacing is between the first one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

[0016] In one embodiment, a third of the plurality of vertical ribs is disposed between two of the plurality of holes. The second circumferential spacing is between the second of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third of the plurality of vertical ribs. The first circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the first of the plurality of vertical ribs and the second of the plurality of vertical ribs, and the second circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the second of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third of the plurality of vertical ribs.

[0017] In one embodiment, a plurality of arcuate rib features are integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the inner sleeve such that each arcuate rib feature is integrally formed with one of the plurality of vertical ribs and one of the plurality of horizontal ribs.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of arcuate rib features comprises at least one rib portion, one end of the rib portion being integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs, and another end of the rib portion being integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of horizontal ribs.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs includes a curved surface having a radius, and at least a portion of the curved surface contacts an outer surface of the rotor.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of vertical ribs includes a curved surface having a radius, and at least a portion of the curved surface contacts an outer surface of the rotor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the rotor is positioned in one or more of a plurality of orientations, and one or more of the vertical ribs are in contact with an outer surface of the rotor when the rotor is placed in each of the plurality of orientations.

[0022] Other areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be more fully understood through the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sealing element as part of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a rotor as part of a multi-port valve with a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2Bis a perspective view of a housing as part of a multi-port valve having a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sealing element surrounding a rotor as part of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of ;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a sealing element as part of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a curved rib feature as part of a sealing element of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of several vertical ribs as part of a sealing element of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8;

[0033] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 an enlarged view of a portion of; and

[0034] Fig.10 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0036] A sealing element as part of a sealing assembly according to the present invention is generally shown at 10. The sealing element 10 includes an inner sleeve 12a and an outer sleeve 12b. Figure 1 , the sealing element 10 is shown in an unassembled view, wherein the sealing element 10 is flat. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when assembled, the sealing element 10 is substantially conical and surrounds a rotor 14 having various passages 16 that distribute fluid through various apertures, generally indicated at 18, of the inner and outer sleeves 12a, 12b. Figure 2A-3, the sealing element 10 is disposed in a cavity, generally shown at 20, of a housing 22, and the sealing element 10 surrounds the rotor 14. The housing 22 also includes a number of ports 24, wherein each port 24 is substantially aligned with and in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the holes 18. The sealing element 10 and the rotor 14 are disposed in the housing 22 such that there is an interference fit, wherein the sealing element 10 is compressed between the rotor 14 and the housing 22.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3-4 , the first plurality of ribs are integrally formed as part of the inner surface 26 of the inner sleeve 12a. More specifically, various horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d and vertical ribs 30 are integrally formed on the inner surface 26 of the inner sleeve 12a. Several of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30 are adjacent to the holes 18. More specifically, there are at least three vertical ribs 30 between each hole 18, and there is one horizontal rib 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d between each hole 18, such as Figure 1 . A portion of the holes 18 and ribs 28a, 30 are located on a first level, shown generally at 32a, another portion of the holes 18 and ribs 30 are located on a second level, shown generally at 32b, and another portion of the holes 18 and ribs 28d, 30 are located on a third level, shown generally at 32c. The first level 32a is separated from the second level 32b by a first plane 34a, and the second level 32b is separated from the third level 32c by a second plane 34b. A portion of the horizontal rib 28b is substantially aligned with the first plane 34a, and another portion of the horizontal rib 28c is aligned with the second plane 34b.

[0038] Additionally, a plurality of arcuate rib features, generally shown at 36, are also integrally formed as part of the inner surface 26 of the inner sleeve 12a. Each of the plurality of arcuate rib features 36 is integrally formed with at least one of the horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d and one of the vertical ribs 30.

[0039] Each arcuate rib feature 36 has a similar configuration, and therefore only one will be described. Figure 5-6The arcuate rib feature 36a includes four rib portions 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, which are curved in the present embodiment, and the rib portions 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d are integrally formed together so that the arcuate rib feature 36a has end portions 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, wherein the first end portion 40a is integrally formed with the end 42a of one of the horizontal ribs 18b, the second end portion 40b is integrally formed with the end 42b of one of the vertical ribs 30, the third end portion 40c is integrally formed with the end 42c of another of the horizontal ribs 18b, and the fourth end portion 40d is integrally formed with the end 42d of another of the vertical ribs 30.

[0040] In order to achieve the desired tapered shape of the sealing element 10 when assembled, the inner sleeve 12a and the outer sleeve 12b are shaped so that the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30 (when viewed from the left) are not substantially tapered. Figure 1 The length and spacing of the sealing element 10 (positioned toward the center of the sealing element 10) vary along the length and height of the sealing element 10. Figure 1 and Figure 7 In one non-limiting example, there is a first circumferential spacing 44a between a first end 46a of the vertical rib 30a located on the third level 32c and a first end 48a of the vertical rib 30b. There is also a second circumferential spacing 44b between a second end 46b of the vertical rib 30a located on the third level 32c and a second end 48b of the vertical rib 30b. Due to the conical shape of the sealing element 10, the ribs 30a, 30b are not parallel to each other, so that the first circumferential spacing 44a between the vertical ribs 30a, 30b is greater than the second circumferential spacing 44b, and the circumferential spacing between the vertical ribs 30a, 30b gradually decreases from the first circumferential spacing 44a to the second circumferential spacing 44b. The remaining vertical ribs 30 in the first level 32a, the second level 32b, and the third level 32c (when viewed together) are not parallel to each other. Figure 1 10, and have a circumferential spacing relative to each other that decreases from the horizontal rib 28a of the sealing element 10 to the horizontal rib 28d of the sealing element 10. In this embodiment, the remaining vertical ribs 30 are substantially parallel to each other. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the inner sleeve 12a and the outer sleeve 12b can be formed to achieve a tapered shape when the sealing element 10 is assembled, so that the other vertical ribs 30 are not parallel to each other, thereby having a varying circumferential spacing as described above.

[0041] Furthermore, although different circumferential spacings 44a, 44b having different angular distances are shown, the angular distances of the circumferential spacings 44a, 44b are the same when the sealing element 10 is assembled. In this embodiment, the angular distance of the circumferential spacings 44a, 44b is 22.5 degrees. Figure 7, there is also an additional circumferential spacing 44c, 44d extending between the center of each of the two vertical ribs 30b, 30c. More specifically, in another non-limiting example, there is a third circumferential spacing 44c between the first end 48a of the vertical rib 30b located on the third level 32c and the first end 50a of the vertical rib 30c. There is also a fourth circumferential spacing 44d between the second end 48b of the vertical rib 30b located on the third level 32c and the second end 50b of the vertical rib 30c. The angular distance of the circumferential spacings 44c, 44d is also 22.5 degrees. Therefore, the combined angular distance of the circumferential spacings 44a, 44c is 45 degrees, and the combined angular distance of the circumferential spacings 44b, 44d is also 45 degrees.

[0042] The circumferential spacing 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d between the vertical ribs 30a, 30b, 30c described above and the circumferential spacing between the other vertical ribs 30 are such that at least one of the vertical ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c is always in contact with the rotor 14 in each of the levels 32a, 32b, 32c. During operation, the rotor 14 may be rotated to one or more different orientations, and the spacing and position of the ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c are such that when the rotor 14 is placed in each orientation, at least one of the vertical ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c is in contact with the rotor 14. The contact of at least one of the vertical ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c with the outer surface of the rotor 14 minimizes or prevents undesirable fluid flow between each hole 18 and the port 24, so that the desired flow path between the passage 16 of the rotor 14 and each port 24 is achieved. The various circumferential spacings used may be varied to accommodate the shape of the passages of the rotor 14. It is within the scope of the present invention that any circumferential spacing and angular distance between the vertical ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c may be used to accommodate different seal designs and shapes, as well as rotors having passages with various shapes and configurations.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8-10 , a plurality of support ribs 54 are integrally formed with the inner surface 52 of the outer sleeve 12b, wherein the plurality of support ribs 54 include both horizontal support ribs and vertical support ribs. The pattern of the support ribs 54 on the inner surface 52 of the outer sleeve 12b corresponds to the pattern of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c of the inner sleeve 12a, so that when the sealing element 10 is compressed between the outer surface of the rotor 14 and the inner surface of the cavity 20 of the housing 22, the support ribs 54 are aligned with the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c and provide support and rigidity for these ribs.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 4 and Figure 8-10, a plurality of external ribs 58 are integrally formed with the outer surface 56 of the outer sleeve 12b. The pattern of the external ribs 58 of the outer sleeve 12b is such that each of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c and the support ribs 54 of the inner sleeve 12a is aligned with and supported by at least one of the external ribs 58, and the orientation of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, the support ribs 54, and the external ribs 58 is such that when the sealing element 10 is compressed between the outer surface of the rotor 14 and the inner surface of the housing 22, a desired amount of force is applied to the sealing element 10 in the region of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, the support ribs 54, and the external ribs 58 to achieve a desired seal. Additional external ribs 58 may be included as part of the outer surface 56 of the outer sleeve 12b to provide additional support and rigidity to the sealing element 10 when the sealing element 10 is compressed between the outer surface of the rotor 14 and the inner surface of the housing 22. In addition, some of the external ribs 58 are rounded to correspond to the shape of the aperture 18. In an alternative embodiment, the pattern of the external ribs 58 of the outer sleeve 12b corresponds to the pattern of the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c and the support ribs 54 of the inner sleeve 12a, such that each support rib 54 is aligned with and supported by a corresponding one of the external ribs 58.

[0045] The rotor 14 is positioned so that the outer surface of the rotor 14 applies force to the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c and the support ribs 54, so that the outer ribs 58 apply force to the inner surface of the housing 22. As previously mentioned, the sealing element 10 is tapered when assembled, and the sealing element 10 and the rotor 14 are disposed in the cavity 20 of the housing 22. The cavity 20 of the housing 22 also has a tapered shape that corresponds to the tapered shape of the sealing element 10 when the sealing element 10 is assembled, and the rotor 14 also has a tapered shape that corresponds to the tapered shape of the sealing element 10 when the sealing element 10 is assembled, so that the force applied to the sealing element 10 is consistent across the height and width of the sealing element 10 regardless of the orientation of the rotor 14.

[0046] The cavity 20 of the housing 22 in which the rotor 14 and the sealing element 10 are located has an inner surface. The horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are in continuous contact with the outer surface of the rotor 14, and therefore, regardless of the orientation of the rotor 14, there are positions of the rotor 14 where the horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d exert a continuous force. With specific reference to the horizontal rib 28b substantially aligned with the first plane 34a and the portion of the horizontal rib 28c aligned with the second plane 34b, the horizontal rib 28b prevents fluid from flowing between the first level 32a and the second level 32b, and the horizontal rib 28c also prevents fluid from flowing between the second level 32b and the third level 32c. The fluid is also prevented from flowing around the horizontal ribs 28a, 28d and outside the housing 22 in an undesirable manner.

[0047] The vertical ribs 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, the horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, and the rib portions 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d of each rib feature 36, 36a are all formed to have a curved surface, wherein the curved surface has a radius. The curved surface concentrates the forces applied to the outer surface of the rotor 14, which facilitates the desired seal. The curved surface also provides progressive guidance and facilitates the movement of the edge of the channel 16 of the rotor 14 across the curved surface of each vertical rib 30, 30a, 30b, 30c and rib portion 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, thereby reducing or eliminating the application of excessive force by the edge of one of the channels to the vertical rib 30, 30a, 30b, 30c or rib portion 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d during movement of the rotor 14 (thereby reducing or eliminating torque spikes). Reference Fig. 9 In one non-limiting example, one of the horizontal ribs 28b is shown having a curved surface 60 with a radius 62. The support rib 54 also has a corresponding curved surface 64 with a radius 66 having the same profile as the radius 62.

[0048] During operation, the rotor 14 is placed in various orientations so that the passages 16 of the rotor 14 direct the fluid through the apertures 18 of the sealing element 10 so that the fluid has various flow paths, depending on the orientation of the rotor 14. As the orientation of the rotor 14 changes, the horizontal ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d remain in continuous contact with the outer surface of the rotor 14 regardless of the orientation of the rotor 14.

[0049] In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 12a of the sealing element 10 is made of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material suitable for achieving a desired level of friction between the rotor 14 and the ribs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c while still providing a desired seal, although other materials may be used within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the outer sleeve 12b of the sealing element 10 is made of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) material to provide a desired seal, although other materials may be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The description of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device comprising: A sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly, the sealing assembly comprising: The sealing element further comprises: Inner sleeve; an outer sleeve connected to the inner sleeve; a plurality of holes extending through the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve; a plurality of vertical ribs integrally formed as part of an inner surface of the inner sleeve, at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs being located between two of the plurality of apertures; and a plurality of support ribs integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the outer sleeve, one or more of the plurality of support ribs contacting and supporting a corresponding one of the plurality of vertical ribs; Wherein, one or more of the plurality of vertical ribs are in contact with an outer surface of the rotor.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element further comprises: a plurality of external ribs integrally formed as part of the outer surface of the outer sleeve; Wherein, each of the plurality of external ribs is in contact with an inner surface of the housing.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of support ribs is supported by a corresponding one of the plurality of external ribs.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element further comprises: a plurality of horizontal ribs integrally formed as a portion of an inner surface of the inner sleeve, one or more of the plurality of support ribs contacting and supporting a corresponding one of the plurality of horizontal ribs; Wherein, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs is in continuous contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sealing element further comprises: a first plane extending through the sealing element; a first level on one side of the first plane; a second level on an opposite side of the first plane relative to the first level; a second plane extending through the sealing element, the second level being disposed between the first plane and the second plane; as well as a third level on an opposite side of the second plane relative to the second level; wherein a portion of the plurality of vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level, another portion of the plurality of vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the second level, and another portion of the vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: A portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs is located in the first plane, and another portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs is located in the second plane.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of apertures; a second one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of apertures; as well as at least one circumferential spacing between said first one of said plurality of vertical ribs and said second one of said plurality of vertical ribs; Wherein, the at least one circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the first one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a third one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of apertures; as well as a second circumferential spacing between the second of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third of the plurality of vertical ribs; Wherein, the second circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of arcuate rib features integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the inner sleeve; Wherein, each of the plurality of arcuate rib features is integrally formed with one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, each of the plurality of arcuate rib features further comprising: at least one rib portion; as well as at least one end portion integrally formed with the at least one rib portion; Wherein, the at least one end portion is integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , each of the plurality of vertical ribs further comprising: Curved surfaces with radii; Wherein, at least a portion of the curved surface is in contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotor is positioned in one or more of a plurality of orientations, and one or more of the plurality of vertical ribs are in contact with the outer surface of the rotor when the rotor is placed in each of the plurality of orientations.

13. A sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly, the sealing assembly comprising: The sealing element further comprises: Inner sleeve; an outer sleeve connected to the inner sleeve; a plurality of holes extending through the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve; a plurality of vertical ribs integrally formed as part of an inner surface of the inner sleeve, at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs being located between two of the plurality of apertures; a plurality of horizontal ribs integrally formed as a portion of the inner surface of the inner sleeve, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs being in continuous contact with the outer surface of the rotor; and a plurality of support ribs integrally formed as a portion of an inner surface of the outer sleeve, each of the plurality of support ribs contacting and supporting a corresponding one of the plurality of vertical ribs or a corresponding one of the plurality of horizontal ribs; Wherein, at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs and at least one of the plurality of horizontal ribs are in contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

14. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein the sealing element further comprises: a plurality of external ribs integrally formed as part of the outer surface of the outer sleeve; Wherein, each of the plurality of external ribs is in contact with an inner surface of the housing.

15. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the plurality of support ribs is supported by a corresponding one of the plurality of external ribs.

16. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein the sealing element further comprises: a first plane extending through the sealing element; a first level on one side of the first plane; a second level on an opposite side of the first plane relative to the first level; a second plane extending through the sealing element, the second level being disposed between the first plane and the second plane; as well as a third level on an opposite side of the second plane relative to the second level; wherein a portion of the plurality of vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level, another portion of the plurality of vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the second level, and another portion of the vertical ribs are integrally formed as a portion of the sealing element located on the first level.

17. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein: A portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs is located in the first plane, and another portion of the plurality of horizontal ribs is located in the second plane.

18. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, further comprising: a first one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of apertures; a second one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of apertures; as well as a first circumferential spacing between the first one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs; a third one of the plurality of vertical ribs disposed between two of the plurality of holes; and a second circumferential spacing between the second of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third of the plurality of vertical ribs; wherein the first circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the first one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs, and the second circumferential spacing decreases along the length of the second one of the plurality of vertical ribs and the third one of the plurality of vertical ribs.

19. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of arcuate rib features integrally formed as part of the inner surface of the inner sleeve; Wherein, each of the plurality of arcuate rib features is integrally formed with one of the plurality of vertical ribs and one of the plurality of horizontal ribs.

20. The seal assembly for a multi-port valve assembly of claim 19, each of the plurality of arcuate rib features further comprising: at least one rib portion; as well as wherein one end of the at least one rib portion is integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of vertical ribs, and the other end of the at least one rib portion is integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of horizontal ribs.

21. The seal assembly for a multi-port valve assembly of claim 13, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs further comprising: Curved surfaces with radii; Wherein, at least a portion of the curved surface is in contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

22. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly of claim 13, each of the plurality of vertical ribs further comprising: Curved surfaces with radii; Wherein, at least a portion of the curved surface is in contact with the outer surface of the rotor.

23. The sealing assembly for a multi-port valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The rotor is positioned in one or more of a plurality of orientations, and one or more of the plurality of vertical ribs are in contact with the outer surface of the rotor when the rotor is placed in each of the plurality of orientations.

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