Multi-Level Coolant Valve Rotor for Flexible Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-port valve assemblies are complex and costly to manufacture, offering limited flexibility in accommodating multiple flow modes and flow paths, often requiring multiple valves and actuators to function properly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port coolant flow control valve assembly featuring a single multi-level rotor within a housing, allowing for various flow configurations by rotating the rotor to different positions, which creates multiple flow paths between ports, reducing the need for multiple valves and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and actuators are used to achieve multiple flow modes and flow paths, then the flexibility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotor valve member is designed to perform multiple functions by providing various flow paths between multiple ports (inlet ports, outlet ports, and common ports) through different rotational positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate valves and actuators while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple flow modes and thermal management configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated rotor valve member with multiple ports and flow channels. By merging what would traditionally require multiple separate valves into one component, the system achieves multiple flow modes while reducing device complexity, manufacturing cost, and packaging requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single rotor with multiple ports and flow channels is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor valve member is segmented into multiple functional levels (first level, second level, third level) with distinct port arrangements and flow channels at each level. This segmentation allows for modular design and manufacturing, where each level can be precisely formed independently while maintaining overall positional accuracy through the integral construction of the single rotor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a multi-level three-dimensional architecture within the single rotor, arranging ports and flow channels across different vertical levels. This dimensional approach allows complex flow paths to be achieved through vertical stacking rather than requiring complex lateral arrangements, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements while reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seven ports are integrated into a single housing, then the adaptability for different flow configurations is improved, but the area and volume of the housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design nests multiple ports and flow channels in a compact, space-efficient arrangement. By organizing seven ports (inlet ports, outlet ports, and common ports) in a nested configuration within the housing, the patent achieves high adaptability for different flow configurations while minimizing the overall housing area and volume required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a three-dimensional arrangement of ports and flow channels within the housing, utilizing vertical stacking and multi-level configurations. This dimensional approach allows seven ports to be integrated into a compact housing footprint by distributing them across different levels and spatial zones rather than requiring a large planar area.
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
This design reduces packaging costs and enhances flexibility by enabling a larger number of flow configurations with a single rotor, achieving thermal management system efficiency while minimizing the number of valves required.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is rotated to different positions to create various flow paths, such that coolant is directed between the different flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve assembly, which includes a housing, a plurality of ports formed as part of the housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, and is selectively in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. Also included is a plurality of channels integrally formed as part of the rotor, a central plane extending through the rotor, a first level on one side of the central plane where a portion of the channels is located on the first level, and a second level on the opposite side of the central plane in relation to the first level, where a portion of the channels are located on the second level. At least two flow paths are formed by the orientation of the rotor relative to the housing and the ports, and the rotor is placed in one of a plurality of configurations to achieve the at least two flow paths.