Integrated Valve Design for Heating and Cooling Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid circulation systems, such as refrigeration cycle devices, require multiple control valves to switch between heating and cooling paths, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve configuration that combines multiple valve functions into a single unit, utilizing a body with multiple inlet and outlet passages, and valve members that switch between communication states and operational states to reduce the number of control valves needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control valves are used to switch between heating and cooling paths, then the fluid circulation system can achieve reliable path switching, but the device complexity and quantity of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (three-way valve and two-way valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The integrated valve body contains multiple inlet/outlet passages and multiple valve members that can independently control different flow paths. This merging approach maintains the reliability of path switching while reducing the total number of separate valve components from two or more to one unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can switch between heating and cooling modes while also controlling refrigerant flow distribution. The single valve assembly incorporates three-way valve functionality (for mode switching) and two-way valve functionality (for flow control), making it a multi-functional component that replaces several specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control valves are mounted separately, then each valve can be optimized for its specific function, but the ease of operation and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed and operated. The integrated valve body with multiple passages and valve members allows for coordinated control of heating and cooling paths through a unified structure, simplifying installation procedures and reducing the complexity of operational coordination between multiple separate valves.
3Productivity
If multiple control valves are used, then comprehensive flow control is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve combines multiple valve functions and flow control capabilities into a single manufactured component or assembly. Rather than producing and assembling multiple separate valves, the integrated design allows for more efficient manufacturing of a unified structure with multiple passages and valve members, reducing overall production costs and assembly complexity while maintaining comprehensive flow control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first valve member switches between a first communication state, in which a first inlet passage communicates with a first outlet passage and a second inlet passage is closed, and a second communication state, in which the second inlet passage communicates with the first outlet passage and the first inlet passage is closed. A second valve member switches between an opening state and a throttle state in which a smaller volume of a fluid flows from the third inlet passage to the second outlet passage as compared to the opening state. A valve driving member switches between a first operation state, in which the first valve member sets the first communication state and the second valve member sets the opening state, and a second operation state, in which the first valve member sets the second communication state and the second valve member sets the throttle state.