Multi-Fluid Rotary Valve Layout for Independent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiway fluid control valves face design limitations due to the difficulty in independently controlling multiple fluids, particularly the first and second fluids, which are supplied through a single inlet, limiting mode and interface adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A bushel design with separate sections for each fluid, featuring independent inlet channels for the second fluid, allowing it to pass through either the first or third section to reach the second section, and a longitudinal axis configuration to reduce pressure drop, with integrally formed sections and sealing elements to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluid inlet supplies multiple sections, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and independent control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bushel is divided into multiple independent sections (first section, second section, third section), each with its own fluid inlet channel. This segmentation allows each section to control different fluids independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second fluid inlet channel passes through the first or third section, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second fluid inlet channel is nested within or passes through the first or third section of the bushel. This nested configuration allows the channel to traverse through existing structural elements rather than requiring separate external pathways, improving adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Device complexity
If multiple fluids are supplied through a single inlet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases due to mixing
Solution Approach 1:
Each fluid section (first, second, third section) is equipped with its own dedicated inlet channel, preventing unwanted mixing of different fluids. This segmentation ensures that each fluid can be controlled and supplied independently, eliminating substance loss due to mixing while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid control valve (300) for controlling a plurality of fluids from a plurality of fluid circuits comprises a shell (200) 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 first section (110), a second section (120) and a third section (130) adapted to control a first fluid, a second fluid and a third fluid respectively. The bushel further comprises a second fluid inlet channel (124) adapted to supply the second fluid to the second section, wherein the second fluid inlet channel passes through the first section and reaches the second section.