Flow Path Switching Valve for Series-Parallel Heat Medium Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow path switching valves lack flexibility in connection ports and flow path combinations, requiring redesign when specifications change.
Innovation Solution
A flow path switching valve that allows for both parallel and series modes of fluid supply to multiple elements, with a configuration that includes a valve unit comprising a valve body, valve element, and rotation drive unit, enabling selective switching of fluid paths among multiple inlet/outlet openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of connection ports and flow path combinations are fixed according to specification, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability and versatility are poor requiring redesign when specifications change
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple sections with independent flow path control mechanisms. Each section can be configured to create different flow path combinations, allowing the same valve body to achieve multiple connection port configurations without requiring complete redesign for each specification change.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed with universal flow path switching capability that can accommodate different connection port configurations and flow path combinations using the same basic valve structure. This multi-functionality allows a single valve design to serve multiple specifications through internal flow path reconfiguration rather than requiring separate valve designs for each specification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow path combinations are provided, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates dynamic flow path switching mechanisms that allow the flow paths to be reconfigured during operation or assembly. This dynamic capability enables the valve to transition between different flow path combinations without requiring multiple static valve bodies, thereby achieving versatility while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow path control mechanisms are nested within a single valve body structure. The compact nested arrangement allows several flow path configurations to be integrated into one unified valve assembly, providing versatility without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity or footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow path switching valve 10 is configured to supply a fluid to at least two elements that use the fluid as a heat medium, and has a parallel mode in which the fluid is individually supplied to the elements, and a series mode in which the fluid is supplied to the at least two elements in series.