Multi-Port Coolant Valve Seal Assembly for Flexible Leak Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-port valve designs face limitations in sealing flexibility, which restricts flow path design and efficiency, leading to potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a seal assembly for a multi-port coolant flow control valve, featuring a rotor with integrally formed beads that apply force to a seal element, compressing it between the rotor and the housing to achieve sealing across various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-port valve designs are used, then the valve structure is simple, but sealing flexibility is limited and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is divided into multiple functional regions with different seal profiles (first seal profile, second seal profile, third seal profile) along its axial length. Each segment provides sealing at different locations and orientations, allowing the single seal element to handle multiple sealing requirements that would otherwise require multiple separate seals, thus improving sealing efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seal element are designed with different geometries and material properties to address specific sealing challenges at different locations. The first, second, and third seal profiles have distinct characteristics optimized for their respective sealing surfaces, enabling targeted sealing solutions for each port configuration while maintaining a unified seal element structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid sealing structures are used, then sealing force is sufficient, but flexibility for various orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element incorporates flexible lip structures that can deform and conform to different rotor orientations and wear patterns. The lip seals are designed with appropriate durometer and cross-section geometry to provide both flexibility for adaptation to various orientations and sufficient sealing force through elastic recovery, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and sealing strength
3Reliability
If multiple separate seals are used for different orientations, then sealing coverage is complete, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seal functions that would traditionally require separate seal components are integrated into a single multi-profile seal element. The first, second, and third seal profiles are combined in one axially extended component that provides comprehensive sealing coverage for all port orientations, reducing the number of parts while maintaining complete sealing reliability
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 configuration enhances sealing efficiency, allowing for flexible flow path management and minimizing leakage, thereby improving the overall performance of the multi-port valve assembly.
Implementation Method 1
One or more of the beads applies force to the seal element, such that the force is transferred to the lip seal
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly for a multi-port valve assembly, the seal assembly including a plurality of beads integrally formed as part of a rotor, at least one seal element in sliding contact with one or more of the beads, and at least one lip seal integrally formed as part of the seal element. One or more of the beads applies force to the seal element, such that the force is transferred to the lip seal. The beads include at least one circumferential bead which circumscribes the rotor, and the circumferential bead continuously applies force to the seal element when the rotor is in each of a plurality of orientations. The beads also include at least one tangential bead extending along an outer surface of the rotor, and the tangential bead applies force to the seal element when the rotor is in one of a plurality of orientations.