Modular Flow Path Switching Valve for Reconfigurable Port Coupling
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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 entire system when specifications change.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow path switching valve design featuring a valve unit with a rotatable valve body and a rotation drive part, allowing for the switching of communication states between ports by adjusting the flow paths, and enabling easy combination of multiple valve units to achieve various specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flow path switching valve with fixed coupling ports and flow paths is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability and versatility are poor when specifications need to change
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent valve units, each with a standardized interface structure. Each valve unit contains a valve body with flow paths connecting specific ports, and multiple valve units can be coupled together through matching interfaces to form a complete flow path switching system. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to meet different specification requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve units are designed with universal coupling interfaces that allow them to be interconnected in various configurations. The standardized interface structure enables the same valve unit to serve multiple functions depending on how it is coupled with other valve units, providing adaptability for different flow path requirements while maintaining a consistent basic design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of coupling ports and flow path combinations are fixed according to specification, then the manufacturing process is standardized, but it becomes necessary to start over from design when specification changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into standardized modular units with consistent interface designs, the manufacturing process can remain standardized across different valve configurations. When specification changes are needed, only the arrangement and coupling of existing modular units need to be adjusted, not the manufacturing of the units themselves, thus avoiding complete redesign while maintaining manufacturing standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where standardized valve units can be coupled and uncoupled to adapt to different specifications. This dynamic modularity allows the system to respond to specification changes by reconfiguring existing components rather than requiring complete redesign and remanufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve units are combined to achieve various specifications, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into identical or similar standardized valve units that can be replicated and coupled together. This segmentation approach allows versatility to be achieved through combinatorial arrangements of simple, standardized components rather than through complex integrated designs, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple standardized valve units are merged through coupling interfaces to form a complete flow path switching system. The merging of simple, standardized units creates a versatile system while the standardization of individual units prevents exponential growth in complexity, as each unit maintains a consistent, simple internal structure regardless of how many units are combined.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for the easy realization of flow path switching valves with various specifications by enabling the combination of multiple valve units, enhancing flexibility and reducing the need for redesign when specifications change.
Implementation Method 1
since the spherical concave part is provided at the portion of the bent part facing the third port of the third flow path, resistance of the fluid is reduced as compared with a configuration in which the concave part is not provided at the portion and simply bent
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 open at an opposite side from the third port; and a rotation drive part connected to the valve unit and rotating the valve body. To the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit, the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit can be respectively connected and coupled.