Multi-Flow Valve Structure for Compact EV Coolant Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve devices used in integrated thermal management modules of electric vehicles require multiple actuators and occupy a large package space due to their complex structure and increased volume.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve device design featuring a valve case, a rotatable valve body with upper and lower bodies, and a valve cover, which allows for various coolant circulation paths to be configured using a single actuator by rotating the valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional valve device with multiple 3-way valves is used to diversify coolant circulation paths, then the coolant path diversification is achieved, but the device volume increases and occupies large package space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple 3-way valve functions into a single multi-port valve body with six connection ports. The valve body includes multiple flow passages (first through sixth flow passages) that can be selectively connected by rotating a single valve core, merging the functionality of multiple separate valves into one integrated component, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining coolant path diversification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve device performs multiple functions by providing six connection ports and multiple flow passages that can be configured in different ways. By rotating the valve core to different positions, the same valve body can create various coolant circulation paths (first mode, second mode, third mode, etc.), making it a universal valve that replaces multiple specialized valves
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 3-way valves are used to achieve various coolant circulation modes, then the coolant circulation path diversification is achieved, but the number of actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve operations into a single valve core rotation mechanism. One actuator rotating the valve core can simultaneously control the opening and closing of multiple flow passages (first through sixth flow passages) through the internal geometry of the valve body, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators while achieving the same coolant circulation mode diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve core is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of coolant paths by changing the rotational position. A single actuator can dynamically control multiple flow passages by rotating the valve core to different angular positions, enabling versatile coolant circulation modes with reduced actuator complexity
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
The valve device achieves a small volume and diverse coolant circulation path configurations with a single actuator, enhancing the efficiency of the cooling module in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body rotatably installed on the valve case... a center body coupled to a bottom of the upper body and installed to be rotatable integrally with the upper body
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device including a plurality of flow paths may include a valve case, a valve body rotatable on the valve case, and a valve cover covering and closing the valve case, in which the valve body includes an upper body including three independent flow paths, a center body coupled to a bottom of the upper body and installed to be rotatable integrally with the upper body, and a lower body coupled to a bottom of the center body, installed to be rotatable integrally with the center body, and including three independent flow paths each including input/output ports.