Modular Fluid Control Valve for Variable Circuit Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiway fluid control valves are not adaptable to different numbers of fluid circuits, requiring the design of new valves for each configuration.
Innovation Solution
A bushel for a fluid control valve comprising a base part and modular parts, where the number of modular parts can be adjusted based on the number of fluids to be controlled, allowing the valve to be adapted for different fluid circuit configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bushel is made as a single part, then the structural integrity and simplicity are improved, but the adaptability to different fluid circuit configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushel is divided into a base part and multiple modular parts that can be selectively assembled. Each modular part corresponds to a specific fluid circuit configuration, allowing the valve to be adapted to different numbers and arrangements of fluid circuits by simply changing which modular parts are attached to the base part.
Solution Approach 2:
The base part is designed with universal features that can accommodate different modular parts. The base part includes a body with inlet and outlet openings arranged in various patterns, and connection members that can interface with different modular part configurations, enabling a single base part to support multiple fluid circuit arrangements.
2Manufacturing precision
If a new multiway fluid control valve is designed for each fluid circuit configuration, then the precision for specific configuration is improved, but the design time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modular parts are pre-designed and pre-manufactured to correspond to different fluid circuit configurations. When a specific configuration is needed, the appropriate modular part is already available for assembly, eliminating the need for redesign and reducing lead time.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve configuration is changed by varying the number and arrangement of modular parts attached to the base part, rather than redesigning the entire valve. This allows different fluid circuit configurations to be achieved by changing assembly parameters rather than design parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bushel is made as a single part, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ease of adaptation to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushel is segmented into a base part and modular parts that can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled through connection members. This maintains manufacturing simplicity for each component while enabling easy adaptation through assembly variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve configuration becomes dynamic and changeable through the assembly and disassembly of modular parts. The base part remains static and simple to manufacture, while the modular parts can be added or removed to adapt to different fluid circuit requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid control valve (500) for controlling a plurality of fluids from a plurality of fluid circuits comprises a shell (400) and a bushel (100). The shell comprises a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet openings adapted to connect to the plurality of fluid circuits. The bushel is provided inside the shell and rotatable relative to the shell, wherein the bushel comprises a base part (200) and at least one modular part (300) adapted to be axially connected to the base part in different angular positions with respect to the base part. In one example, the bushel comprises one modular part. In another example, the bushel comprises two modular parts.