Compact Valve Assembly with Segmented Flow Direction Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies, such as ball and gate type valves, are large and bulky, making them unsuitable for compact temperature control applications in closed environments like underwater and space suits, where space and bulk are critical concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ported valve assembly with a control system that includes a flow direction member capable of shifting between full through flow, partial bypass, and full bypass modes, allowing for compact integration and efficient fluid flow control, utilizing a valve body with inlet and outlet members and elements, and an actuation mechanism to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball-type valves or gate-type valves are used to control fluid flow, then effective fluid flow control is achieved, but the valve size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into a first section and a second section, with the flow direction member segmented to selectively direct fluid between different paths. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve full flow control functionality while maintaining a compact overall structure that integrates into the suit without adding excessive bulk.
2Volume of moving object
If compact valve design is implemented to reduce bulk, then space constraints are satisfied, but valve functionality and flow control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow direction member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can direct fluid in full flow mode, in bypass mode, and provide intermediate flow control. This multi-functionality allows a single compact valve design to replace what would traditionally require multiple larger valves, maintaining full flow control capability while reducing overall size for integration into space-constrained environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly (2) includes a valve body (4) having a first section (6) and a second section (8). The first section (6) includes an inlet member (12) and an outlet member (13) and the second section (8) includes an inlet element (28) and an outlet element (29). The valve assembly (2) also includes a control system (44) arranged between the first section (6) and the second section (8) of the valve body (4). The control system (44) includes a flow direction member (48) that is selectively shifted between one of a full through flow mode and a bypass mode. When in the full through flow mode the flow direction member (48) passes a complete fluid flow from the inlet member (12) to the outlet element (29) and from the inlet element (28) to the outlet member (13), and when in the bypass mode the flow direction member passes the fluid flow from the inlet member (12) to the outlet member (13).