Four-Way Valve Chamber Segmentation for Channel Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing four-way valves cannot isolate the second communication channel from the third communication channel when the fourth communication channel and the first communication channel communicate with the second region, leading to unintended fluid flow between these channels.

Innovation Solution

A four-way valve design with a valve component that divides the valve chamber into multiple regions, allowing for specific communication channel configurations to isolate the second communication channel from the third communication channel by altering the positions and distances of dividers within the valve chamber, enabling controlled fluid flow and isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the valve component divides the valve chamber into two regions, then the valve can switch between first and second states, but the second communication channel and third communication channel cannot be isolated from each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve state switching capabilityVSAvoidcommunication channel isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve chamber is divided into three separate regions (first region, second region, third region) instead of two, with the valve component including first, second, and third dividers that create distinct spatial zones. This segmentation allows the second communication channel and third communication channel to be isolated in different regions while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple valve states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the fourth communication channel and first communication channel communicate with the second region, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the second communication channel and third communication channel remain connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control efficiencyVSAvoidunintended fluid flow between channels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first region acts as an intermediary zone between the second region and third region. When the fourth communication channel and first communication channel communicate with the second region, the first region serves as a spatial barrier that prevents direct connection between the second communication channel and third communication channel, thereby eliminating unintended fluid flow while maintaining productive fluid control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12188566B2Four-way valve, valve unit, temperature control system

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 CKD CORP

AI summary

A four-way valve includes a body and a valve component. The body includes a valve chamber and first to fourth communication channels which communicate with the valve chamber at positions arranged in sequence in a predefined rotational direction and cause the valve chamber to communicate with an outside. The valve component is rotatable in the predefined rotational direction and switches the four-way valve to be in at least one of: a first state in which the first and second communication channels communicate with the first region and the third and fourth communication channels communicate with the third region; and a second state in which the second communication channel communicates with the first region, the third communication channel communicates with the second region, and the first and fourth communication channels communicate with the third region.