Segmented Hydraulic Distributor for Three-Path Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic distributors are unsuitable for hybrid heating and conditioning systems as they cannot create three different flow paths using a single shutter, limiting their functionality in systems that require operation of heat pumps and generators in various modes.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic distributor with a single shutter body that can be arranged in three different operating positions to create distinct flow paths, allowing for operation of heat pumps, generators, or both in hybrid mode, using a single distributor body with four flow mouths and flow selection means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shutter is used in the hydraulic distributor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create multiple flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single shutter is segmented into multiple independent elements (first shutter element, second shutter element, third shutter element) that can move independently relative to each other. Each shutter element can selectively close specific flow ways, enabling the creation of multiple distinct flow paths through coordinated movement of the segmented elements rather than requiring multiple complete shutters.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to move between different positions to create various flow paths as needed. The first shutter element can be positioned to close the first flow way while allowing the second flow way to remain open, and similarly for other combinations, providing dynamic adaptability with a single shutter structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple three-way diverter valves are used to manage hybrid system operations, then the adaptability to different operating modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic distributor is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple operating modes (heat pump only, generator only, hybrid operation) through a single multi-functional shutter assembly. The shutter elements can be positioned to create different flow paths corresponding to different operating modes, eliminating the need for separate three-way diverter valves for each mode while maintaining full adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single hydraulic distributor is used instead of multiple valves, then the ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but the ability to manage complex flow paths is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single hydraulic distributor body with an integrated shutter assembly. The first, second, and third shutter elements are all housed within and coordinated through a single distributor structure, simplifying assembly to one unit rather than multiple separate valves, while the internal segmentation of shutter elements maintains the ability to manage complex flow paths for different operating modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic distributor (1; 1 a; 1b; 1c; 1 d) comprising: a distributor body (2) provided with flow mouths (20); a shutter body (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) associated in the distributor body (2) and provided with flow selection means (30, 40, 50, 60, 70); a member (5) for manoeuvring the shutter body (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to arrange the flow selection means (30, 40, 50, 60, 70) in different positions to identify different flow paths (10, 80, 90) through the flow mouths (20). The flow mouths (20) comprise a first flow mouth (21), a second flow mouth (22), a third flow mouth (23) and a fourth flow mouth (24) and the different flow paths (10, 80, 90) comprise: a first flow path (10) between the first flow mouth (21) and the fourth flow mouth (24); a second flow path (80) between the second flow mouth (22) and the third flow mouth (23); a third flow path (90) between the second flow mouth (22) and the fourth flow mouth (24).