Modular Flow Path Switching Valve for Flexible Port Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow path switching valves lack flexibility as the number of coupling ports and flow path combinations are fixed, making it necessary to redesign the system when specifications change.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow path switching valve design that allows for the stacking and connection of additional valve units, providing increased flexibility in combining flow paths and reducing the number of components and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number of coupling ports and flow path combinations are fixed according to specification, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent valve units, each with standardized coupling ports and flow paths. These modular units can be stacked and connected in various combinations to create valves with different specifications, allowing adaptability while maintaining simple manufacturing of individual units
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve unit is designed with universal coupling ports and standardized flow path configurations that can be combined in multiple ways. This allows the same basic valve unit to serve multiple functions and specifications when stacked differently, increasing versatility without complicating the base design
2Adaptability or versatility
If valve units are stacked and connected to increase flexibility, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into standardized modular units with uniform coupling interfaces, the patent enables flexible stacking configurations without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. Each module remains simple individually, and the standardized interfaces make combination predictable and manageable
3Ease of operation
If multiple rotation drive parts are provided for multiple valve units, then each valve unit can be controlled independently, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve units share a common rotation drive mechanism that can rotate all valve bodies simultaneously. This merging of the drive function reduces the total number of components and simplifies the structure, while the valve units can still be configured to provide independent control when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow path switching valve includes: a valve unit including a valve main body wherein a first port and a second port through which a fluid respectively flows in and out are formed on a wall surface forming a valve chamber, and a third port is formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber, a valve body disposed rotatably in the valve chamber, and in which a flow path is formed, a first flow path communicated with the first port, a second flow path provided alongside the first flow path with the valve main body interposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and communicated with the second port, and a third flow path communicated with the third port and which is open on a side opposite to the third port; and a rotation drive part connected to the valve unit and which rotates the valve body. At an opposite side from the rotation drive part of one valve unit, another valve unit is stackable and connectable.