Multi-Level Rotary Plug Valve With Two-Part Sealing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex fluid delivery systems require rotary plug valves that can control fluid flow between multiple ports, necessitating the ability to close multiple flow paths simultaneously, which is challenging due to limited area for closed ports when all ports are at the same level, and complicates the molding process for multi-level valve plugs.
Innovation Solution
The rotary plug valve features a two-part plug assembly with interlocking portions that allow fluid flow control across multiple levels, using a conical interface for simplified molding and improved sealing, enabling the closure of multiple ports at specific rotational positions while maintaining dimensional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-level valve plug is used to close multiple flow paths simultaneously, then the ability to control multiple ports is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to complicated molding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug is divided into multiple levels, with each level independently configured to control specific ports. This segmentation allows each level to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall molding process, as each level can be formed separately and then assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-level plug design to a multi-level plug design, adding the vertical dimension to the control mechanism. This allows multiple ports to be controlled simultaneously by distributing control elements across different vertical levels, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing molding complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conical interface is used between valve body and valve plug, then molding is simplified, but dimensional control deteriorates due to large wall thickness areas
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug is segmented into multiple levels, allowing the conical interface to be applied only to specific sections where it is needed for sealing, rather than requiring large wall thickness areas throughout the entire plug. This localized application maintains molding simplicity while preserving dimensional control in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical interface is applied locally at specific regions of the valve plug where sealing is required, rather than uniformly across the entire plug. This allows the beneficial molding characteristics of the conical shape to be utilized where needed while maintaining precise dimensional control in other critical areas of the plug structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port rotary plug valve may be used in a fluid delivery system of a vehicle to control flow of coolant fluid between a radiator, an electric drive motor, a battery, vehicle electronics, and one or more bypass lines. The valve may include a valve body that has radial ports at two or more levels along a height dimension of the valve body. In addition, the valve may include a plug assembly that is rotatably disposed in the valve body. The plug assembly may be made of first and second plug portions that cooperate to control fluid flow through the valve body. The valve allows valve configurations in which fluid passes between ports disposed at different axial levels of the valve body, and other configurations in which fluid passage is restricted to a single level depending on a rotational position of the plug assembly relative to the valve body.