Multi-Way Disc Valve Flow Regulation to Prevent Pressure Burping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves for controlling heating and cooling fluid in vehicles lack the ability to efficiently control flow rates and pressure across multiple flow paths, leading to sudden changes in flow rate and pressure, known as 'burping', which affects performance.
Innovation Solution
The multi-way valve incorporates a valve rotor with a weir shell that extends around apertures in the valve housing, allowing for controlled flow rate adjustments as the rotor rotates between predetermined positions, thereby regulating flow rates and reducing pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve rotor is rotated between different predetermined positions to control flow paths, then the flow rate through different circuits is adjusted, but sudden changes in flow rate and pressure occur causing 'burping'
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a bypass flow path that is预先 established and ready to operate. When the valve rotor rotates to change flow paths, the bypass provides a pre-prepared alternative route that immediately accepts the redirected flow, preventing sudden pressure changes and burping. The bypass is designed with appropriate sizing and positioning to ensure it is ready to handle flow transitions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path acts as an intermediary element between the different flow circuits. When the valve rotor redirects flow from one circuit to another, the bypass serves as a mediator that absorbs and smooths the transition, preventing direct sudden changes in pressure and flow rate that would cause burping. The bypass intermediate route allows flow to transition gradually rather than abruptly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow paths are provided in the multi-way valve, then more thermal fluid circuits can be controlled, but the complexity of flow rate regulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass flow path is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple circuits simultaneously. Rather than requiring separate regulation mechanisms for each flow path, the bypass provides a universal flow route that can handle transitions between multiple different circuits. This universal design simplifies the overall regulation mechanism while maintaining the ability to control multiple thermal fluid circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex flow rate regulation function from the valve rotor and separates it into a dedicated bypass mechanism. By taking out the flow transition management from the main valve rotor operation, the bypass can be independently optimized for smooth flow transitions without adding complexity to the primary valve control mechanism. This separation simplifies the overall system while enabling multiple flow paths.
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 solution enables smooth and controlled flow rate adjustments across different flow paths, reducing pressure fluctuations and improving the overall performance of the multi-way valve by preventing sudden changes in flow rate and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The valve rotor is configured to rotate relative to the valve housing body about a valve axis
Implementation Method 2
The weir shell may include a shell body wall that defines a main cavity and shell end walls that each defined an end cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity. Each shell end wall may be shaped to control flow from the main cavity to the end cavity in accordance with a preselected flow area curve.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A multi-way valve (10) including a valve housing (12), a valve flow controller (14), and a flow regulator (16). The valve housing is shaped to include a valve cavity (24) and a plurality of apertures (26) that open into the valve cavity. The valve flow controller is arranged in the valve housing to control flow through the valve housing. The flow regulator is configured to control a flow rate of fluid entering one flow path of a plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve when the valve rotor is rotated.