Rotary Disc Valve Sealing for Low-Torque Multi-Port Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary valves face challenges with high operating torque due to elastomeric sealing elements and limited flexibility in fluid flow control, especially in complex systems requiring control of fluid flow between multiple ports.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port rotary disc valve design featuring a disc-type diverter with a planar sealing surface and a seal assembly comprising a thin, low-friction seal plate and an elastic element, allowing for dynamic sealing and adaptation to temperature changes and wear, while minimizing torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric sealing elements are used in conventional rotary valves, then sealing function is improved, but operating torque increases due to higher friction factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing element from elastomer to ceramic, which has fundamentally different friction characteristics. The ceramic sealing element maintains effective sealing while exhibiting lower friction factors, thereby reducing the operating torque required to rotate the valve body without compromising sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the sealing element is made of ceramic material integrated with the valve plug. This composite approach combines the low-friction properties of ceramic with the structural requirements of the valve component, achieving both reduced torque and maintained sealing function.
2Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical diverters (plugs) are used in rotary valves, then manufacturing is simplified, but operating torque increases and flexibility in placement and orientation of inlet and outlet tubes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a cylindrical diverter shape to a disc-shaped valve plug geometry. This curvilinear transformation optimizes the flow distribution characteristics and reduces the surface area in contact with sealing elements, thereby lowering friction and operating torque while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and enhancing flexibility in tube placement and orientation.
3Reliability
If ceramic disc is used as diverter in rotary disc valves, then sealing performance is improved, but shape flexibility is limited and cost increases relative to plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the valve plug by introducing a curved flow passage within the disc structure. This allows the ceramic material to maintain its superior sealing performance while the internal geometry provides the necessary shape flexibility for controlling fluid flow distribution to multiple outlets, overcoming the limitation of rigid ceramic forms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-port rotary disc valve is designed for complex fluid delivery systems, then fluid flow control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve plug with multiple curved flow passages that can accommodate various flow distribution patterns. The same basic disc structure with integrated passages serves multiple functions: sealing, flow direction control, and distribution to multiple ports, thereby achieving high adaptability for complex fluid delivery systems without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 reduces operating torque and enhances flexibility in fluid flow control, enabling efficient distribution of coolant in complex systems like electric vehicle cooling systems with multiple fluid lines.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element provides elasticity, biases the seal plate toward the diverter seal surface, and allows the thin seal to conform to the flat seal surface of the diverter
Implementation Method 2
The rotary disc valve includes a spring that applies a sealing force to the diverter. The spring pushes the diverter against the seal plate to ensure adequate sealing function
Implementation Method 3
elastomers have higher friction factors than some other conventional materials, which may result in higher required torque to rotate the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary disc valve is used in a fluid delivery system to control flow of fluid between multiple ports. The valve may include a valve body having multiple ports that are connected to the system. In addition, the valve may include a diverter and seal assembly that are disposed in the valve body. The diverter is configured to rotate about a rotational axis and to control fluid flow through the valve body in such a way that fluid enters the diverter in a first direction that is parallel to the rotational axis, fluid exits the diverter in a second direction that is parallel to the rotational axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction, and between entering and exiting, fluid flows over a portion of the diverter outer surface.