Multi-Port Coolant Valve Rotor for Low-Complexity Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-port valves are complex and costly to manufacture, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve assembly featuring a rotor with integrated channels and a gear train driven by a brushless DC motor, allowing for multiple flow paths without unnecessary components, and utilizing a microcontroller for precise fluid direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to change the valve configuration to direct fluid flow, then the valve can achieve multi-port configuration, but the valve becomes expensive and complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with multiple ports (inlet, outlet, bypass, and multiple outlet ports) that can be controlled by one actuator. The valve member integrates multiple sealing surfaces and flow paths within a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-port configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed as a universal multi-port valve that can direct fluid flow to multiple different destinations (outlet ports) using a single actuator. The valve member incorporates multiple sealing elements and flow paths that enable it to perform multiple functions - directing flow to different outlets, bypassing filters, and controlling fluid distribution - all through one actuated component rather than requiring separate actuators for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to change the valve configuration, then the valve can direct fluid flow to multiple outlets, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with multiple ports (inlet, outlet, bypass, and multiple outlet ports) that can be controlled by one actuator. The valve member integrates multiple sealing surfaces and flow paths within a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-port configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed as a universal multi-port valve that can direct fluid flow to multiple different destinations (outlet ports) using a single actuator. The valve member incorporates multiple sealing elements and flow paths that enable it to perform multiple functions - directing flow to different outlets, bypassing filters, and controlling fluid distribution - all through one actuated component rather than requiring separate actuators for each function.
3Device complexity
If a single valve member is used to direct fluid from inlet to outlet ports, then the valve structure is simplified, but the ability to create multiple flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the valve member with multiple lateral outlets positioned at different locations and angles around the valve body. This three-dimensional arrangement of outlets allows a single actuated valve member to create multiple distinct flow paths by directing fluid to different outlet ports based on the valve member's position, thereby adding spatial dimensionality to the flow control capability without increasing actuator complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones with separate inlet, bypass, and multiple outlet ports, while the valve member is segmented with multiple sealing surfaces that can independently seal against different port configurations. This segmentation allows the single valve member to selectively connect different inlet and outlet combinations, creating multiple flow paths through a simplified single-component structure.
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
The design achieves a configurable and efficient fluid flow management system with reduced complexity and cost, suitable for thermal management systems in automobiles.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having a microcontroller which drives an electric motor, such as a brushless DC motor. The motor drives a gear train, and the gear train drives a valve
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant flow control valve (CFCV) which includes an actuator having a microcontroller which drives an electric motor, such as a brushless DC motor. The motor drives a gear train, and the gear train drives a valve. The motor and gear train are used to rotate the valve to one or more positions, and thus direct coolant (passing through the valve) between ports. The valve is rotated to different positions to create various flow paths, such that coolant is directed between the different flow paths. The valve is a rotor having three different channels. The CFCV may also include a compound valve, where two valves are connected to and driven by one actuator. The valves may be of different shapes to accommodate inlet and outlet ports of various configurations.