Integrated Electric Valve for Coordinated Multi-Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with multiple flow paths, such as vehicle air conditioning systems, the use of multiple solenoid valves increases assembly complexity, maintenance difficulties, and costs, and requires coordinated switching, making it challenging to efficiently manage flow path switching.
Innovation Solution
An electric valve with a driving mechanism, executing mechanism, and valve body assembly that includes a sleeve, output shaft, valve stem, and valve core, utilizing a planetary gear set to achieve compact structure and efficient flow path switching through rotation of the valve core, reducing the need for multiple solenoid valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are used to switch flow paths, then the flow path switching capability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solenoid valves into a single integrated electric valve assembly. The valve body contains multiple valve cores (first valve core, second valve core, etc.) that are controlled by a unified driving mechanism, allowing multiple flow paths to be switched simultaneously or coordinateally. This merging approach maintains the flow path switching capability while significantly reducing device complexity compared to using separate solenoid valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric valve assembly serves multiple functions within a single device structure. It can switch different flow paths (first flow path, second flow path, third flow path) using the same valve body and driving mechanism. The universal design allows the system to handle complex flow control requirements without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are used to switch flow paths, then the flow path control is improved, but the assembly and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly with a unified valve body and shared driving mechanism, the patent simplifies both assembly and maintenance processes. The integrated structure reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and makes maintenance easier compared to managing multiple independent solenoid valves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are used to switch flow paths, then the flow path switching capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated electric valve assembly consolidates multiple valve functions into a single unit, reducing the total quantity of components needed. This merging approach lowers material costs, manufacturing costs, and installation costs compared to using multiple separate solenoid valves, while maintaining full flow path switching capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are used to switch flow paths, then the flow path switching is improved, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions into a unified driving mechanism that simultaneously or coordinateally controls multiple valve cores within the same valve body. This integrated control approach eliminates the need for complex external coordination between multiple independent solenoid valves, as the unified mechanism inherently coordinates the switching actions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated valve capable of quickly achieving reliable switching between multiple flow paths. The electrically operated valve includes a driving mechanism, an executing mechanism and a valve body assembly, wherein the driving mechanism includes a bushing and an output shaft located in the bushing, the executing mechanism includes a valve stem connected to the output shaft and a valve core connected to the valve stem, and the valve core is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel; the valve body assembly includes a valve body and a valve seat, the bushing forms a space isolated from the outside, the output shaft and a connecting portion between the valve stem and the output shaft are located in this space, and the valve body has a cavity, four through holes and a plug port.