Multi-Outlet Rotary Valve for Parallel Liquid Selection and Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid selection valves are limited to conveying only one liquid at a time and are prone to failure due to blockages or pump failures, which is inadequate for applications requiring combinations of liquids and lacks redundancy.
Innovation Solution
The valve design incorporates two outlet channels that can be independently connected to inlet channels or a detergent reservoir, allowing for parallel conveyance of different liquids and enabling redundancy by creating two parallel conveying paths, with the option to flush and reverse operation for residue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one outlet channel is provided in the valve, then the valve structure remains simple, but the valve can convey only one liquid at a time and lacks redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple outlet channels (first outlet channel and second outlet channel) that can be independently connected to different inlet channels. This segmentation allows the valve to convey different liquid combinations simultaneously while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet channel is designed to be universally connectable to any inlet channel through rotational positioning. The outlet part can rotate to bring different outlet channels into alignment with different inlet channels, enabling the valve to perform multiple liquid selection functions with a single device structure.
2Reliability
If only one conveying path is provided, then the valve structure remains simple, but the system is prone to failure due to blockages or pump failures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates redundant conveying paths (first outlet channel and second outlet channel) as a preventive measure against failures. If one conveying path becomes blocked or fails, the system can switch to the other path, cushioning against complete system failure before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying path is segmented into multiple independent routes through different outlet channels. Each outlet channel can be independently connected to different inlet channels, creating separate conveying paths that can operate independently, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely duplicated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet channels are provided, then parallel conveyance of multiple liquids and redundancy are enabled, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outlet channels and inlet channels are merged into a single rotating assembly (outlet part). By combining the multiple channels and their connection mechanisms into one integrally rotatable component, the valve achieves parallel conveyance capability while controlling structural complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs dynamic rotational movement to switch between different channel connections. The outlet part can rotate to bring different outlet channels into alignment with different inlet channels, enabling flexible liquid selection and combination without requiring multiple static valve bodies, thus reducing overall structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is designed for single liquid conveyance, then the design is simple, but it cannot convey different liquid combinations as required in laundry dosing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism allows dynamic reconfiguration of channel connections. By rotating the outlet part, different outlet channels can be brought into alignment with different inlet channels, enabling the valve to convey various liquid combinations (e.g., detergent with rinse aid, fabric softener with vinegar) through a single flexible operation rather than requiring multiple specialized valves.
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve (11) for selecting liquids comprising: - at least one inlet part (10), wherein at least two inlet channels (7) are provided in the at least one inlet part (10), and - at least one outlet part (9), wherein at least one outlet channel (6) is provided in the at least one outlet part (9), and - a rinsing agent reservoir (12), wherein the at least one inlet part (10) and the at least one outlet part (9) contact each other, at least partially sealing, in at least one contact plane (17), and wherein the at least one inlet part (10) is rotatably mounted relative to the at least one outlet part (9) about an imaginary axis of rotation, wherein at least two outlet channels (6) are provided.so that the at least two output channels (6) can be brought into communicative contact with at least two input channels (7) or with at least one detergent outlet area (32) of the detergent reservoir (12) by rotating the at least one output part (9) relative to the at least one input part (10).