HVAC Valve Assembly with Offset Axes to Eliminate Nested Shaft Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face issues with the strength, durability, and reliability of nested shafts, which lead to premature failure and limit independent control of valves, complicating assembly and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a valve housing and adjustable valves, featuring two distinct and offset shafts and axes, allowing independent control of multiple valves, eliminating the need for a nested shaft and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a nested shaft is used to control multiple valves, then valve control functionality is achieved, but the strength and durability of the shaft assembly deteriorates leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The nested shaft assembly is divided into separate first and second shafts that are no longer nested within each other. Each shaft is independently supported by its own bearing, eliminating the structural weaknesses of the hollow nested configuration and preventing premature failure while maintaining the ability to control multiple valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a nested shaft is used to control valves, then valve actuation is enabled, but the complexity of assembly and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated nested shaft design is segmented into separate first and second shafts with independent bearings. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing processes and assembly operations, as each shaft can be independently fabricated, assembled, and maintained without the complexity of nested configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a nested shaft with single point of rotation is used, then valve control is achieved, but the independent control range of valves is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single point of rotation nested shaft system is segmented into separate first and second shafts with independent rotation points. This allows each valve to be controlled independently through its own shaft rotation, significantly expanding the independent control range and operational flexibility of the valve assembly.
4Device complexity
If a hollow external shaft is used in nested configuration, then valve control structure is formed, but the strength and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow external shaft of the nested configuration is segmented and eliminated. Separate solid first and second shafts are used instead, each with independent bearing support, which significantly improves structural strength and reliability while maintaining the necessary valve control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module may include a valve housing and a plurality of adjustable valves. The valve housing may define an internal space. The valve housing may include a first inlet via which a first input air is flowable into a first intake region of the internal space, a second inlet via which a second input air is flowable into a second intake region of the internal space, and a plurality of airflow openings. The adjustable valves may be disposed in the valve housing between the two intake regions. A first valve may be adjustable about a first axis to selectively open and close the first airflow opening with respect to the intake regions. A second valve may be adjustable about a second axis to selectively open and close the second airflow opening with respect to the intake regions.