Multi-Cavity Control Valve for Thermal Path Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal management systems of vehicles, fluid exchange between different temperature paths in a multi-way control valve reduces system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design with a valve body assembly and core assembly that includes separate cavities and communication ports, allowing the valve core to switch between operating positions to prevent fluid mixing, using sealing members and partition walls to isolate fluid streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way control valve is used to control flow paths in a thermal management system, then the valve can manage multiple fluid paths simultaneously, but fluid exchange between different temperature paths occurs reducing thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into separate cavities (first cavity and second cavity) that are physically isolated from each other. Each cavity handles a specific fluid path independently, preventing thermal mixing while maintaining the multi-way control capability. The valve core is segmented to operate within each cavity separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the first and second cavities. This partition wall acts as a thermal barrier that prevents direct fluid exchange between different temperature paths, thereby maintaining thermal efficiency while allowing the valve to control multiple flow paths.
2Loss of energy
If separate cavities are provided for different fluid paths, then thermal efficiency is improved by preventing fluid mixing, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate cavities are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the valve body, utilizing vertical and radial spaces efficiently. The partition wall is positioned to divide the internal volume optimally, allowing compact arrangement of multiple cavities without excessive increase in overall valve dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve core is positioned in both cavities to control flow paths, then flow control flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the valve structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve core is designed as a multi-functional component that can operate in both cavities to control different flow paths. By integrating the valve core functionality across both cavities, the patent reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining flow control flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve and a thermal management system are provided. The control valve includes a valve body assembly and a valve core assembly. The valve body assembly has a first cavity and a second cavity. The valve core assembly is at least partially located in the first cavity and at least partially located in the second cavity. The valve body assembly has a first communication port, a second communication port, and a first connection port in communication with both the first and second communication ports. The valve core assembly at least has a first working position group and a second working position group. When in the first working position group, the valve core assembly closes the second communication port and opens the first communication port; when in the second working position group, the valve core assembly closes the first communication port and opens the second communication port.