Coupled Rotary Valve Bodies With Switchable Freewheel Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple external flow channels and fluid circuits due to complex designs and high assembly and maintenance costs, with issues of undesirable rotation in freewheeling states and inadequate torque transmission under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The valve system incorporates locking means and a freewheel arrangement with grooves and projections, along with a gear pair for torque transmission, allowing for independent rotation and power transmission between valve bodies, ensuring reliable operation and reduced complexity in design and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a freewheel arrangement is used to allow independent rotation of valve bodies, then operational flexibility is improved, but undesirable rotation due to friction occurs in the freewheeling state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means transition between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on the operational state of the freewheel arrangement. In the freewheeling state, the locking means are unlocked to allow independent rotation. In the force-transmitting state, the locking means are locked to prevent undesirable rotation while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the locking means are modified based on the operational state. When locked, the friction is high enough to prevent undesirable rotation. When unlocked, the friction is reduced to allow smooth independent rotation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between preventing unwanted rotation and enabling desired independent rotation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking means are engaged to prevent undesirable rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but torque transmission between valve bodies is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. In the force-transmitting state, the locking means are unlocked to enable torque transmission. In the freewheeling state, the locking means are locked to provide rotational stability and prevent undesirable rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are proactively engaged or disengaged based on the anticipated operational state. Before torque transmission is needed, the locking means are unlocked in advance. Before independent rotation is needed, the locking means are locked in advance, ensuring both stability and power transmission requirements are met.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex locking mechanisms are added to control rotation, then rotational control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means utilize the existing operational forces and movements of the valve system to automatically engage and disengage. The system's own operational dynamics serve to control the locking state, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise rotational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are integrated with the existing valve body structure and freewheel arrangement. The locking functionality is combined with the rotational movement mechanism, so that a single structural element performs both locking and rotation functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device.
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 enables simplified control of multiple external flow channels and fluid circuits, reducing assembly effort, costs, and installation space, while ensuring proper torque transmission even under difficult conditions, such as high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling device has at least one gear pair with a first gear and a second gear, wherein the two gears are each arranged on one of the two valve bodies
Implementation Method 2
the freewheel arrangement has at least one groove and at least one projection configured to correspond to the groove and engaging into the groove
Implementation Method 3
the valve body which is not driven in the freewheeling state of the freewheeling arrangement does not rotate in an undesirable manner, for example due to friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2a
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve system (2), comprising a first valve (4) and a second valve (6), the two valves (4, 6) each having a housing (8) with a plurality of housing openings (10 to 24; A to F) and a valve body (50, 52) which is arranged rotatably in the housing (8) and has at least one connection channel (54 to 66) for providing a fluid connection between at least two of the housing openings (10 to 24; A to F), characterised in that the valve body (50) of the first valve (4) and the valve body (52) of the second valve (6) are mechanically coupled to each other by means of a coupling device (74) of the valve system (2), the coupling device (74) being designed such that the valve bodies (50, 52) can be rotated jointly by means of the coupling device (74) when the valve system (2) is in a first operating state and can be rotated independently of one another by means of the coupling device (74) when the valve system (2) is in a second operating state.