Compact Switch Valve Layout Using Parallel Fluid Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch valves with perpendicular fluid passage holes increase the size of the housing, making them less efficient in terms of space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A switch valve design where the axes of the valve element housing holes and fluid passage holes are parallel, allowing the fluid passage holes to be connected to multiple valve element housing holes with overlapping cross-sections, reducing the overall housing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the axes of fluid passage holes connected to peripheral wall surfaces are made perpendicular to each other, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of fluid passage holes from perpendicular axes to parallel axes, utilizing a different dimensional configuration. This allows multiple fluid passage holes to be connected to multiple valve element housing holes while maintaining compact housing dimensions, directly resolving the contradiction between operational capability and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs overlapping cross-sections of fluid passage holes with valve element housing holes, creating a nested spatial relationship. This nesting allows efficient space utilization where fluid passage holes are positioned to overlap with multiple valve element housing holes, reducing the overall housing volume while maintaining full fluid control functionality.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple fluid passage holes are connected to multiple valve element housing holes with overlapping cross-sections, then housing size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into distinct functional regions: valve element housing holes for rotational valve elements and fluid passage holes for fluid flow. This segmentation allows each type of hole to be manufactured and positioned independently, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the overlapping configuration. The modular approach enables standard machining operations to be applied to each segment separately.
3Volume of stationary object
If the perpendicular-to-axis cross section of fluid passage holes entirely overlaps valve element housing holes, then space utilization is maximized, but fluid flow paths may interfere with valve element rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having fluid passage holes partially or entirely overlap with valve element housing holes only in specific regions where it benefits space utilization, while maintaining clear separation in critical rotation zones. This localized overlapping approach allows maximum space efficiency without compromising the rotational movement of valve elements, as the overlap is strategically positioned away from interference zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a plurality of valve element housing holes rotatably house valve elements therein, and a plurality of fluid passage holes, each of the fluid passage holes having one end connected to a peripheral wall surface of one of the valve element housing holes and the other end open on an outer wall surface of the housing to circulate fluids. Axes of the valve element housing holes are parallel to each other. Axes of the fluid passage holes are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axes of the valve element housing holes. Each of the fluid passage holes is connected to at least two of the valve element housing holes, and has a perpendicular-to-axis cross section partially or entirely overlapping the at least two valve element housing holes in an axial direction of the fluid passage hole.