Multi-Passage Valve Sealing Structure for Low-Friction Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of existing assembly structures for multi-passage valves increases their cost and the frictional resistance from sealing elements hinders the rotation of the valve body, making it difficult to efficiently regulate temperature in vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
The multi-passage valve design incorporates a lifting structure that allows sealing elements to partially leave the valve body or housing during rotation, reducing frictional resistance and simplifying the assembly by directly molding the sealing elements onto the valve body or housing, thereby reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are provided between the valve body and housing openings to ensure leakproofness, then sealing reliability is improved, but frictional resistance increases making valve body rotation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are designed to dynamically change their contact state with the valve body during rotation. When the valve body rotates to align openings for fluid flow, the sealing elements naturally lift off or reduce contact, minimizing frictional resistance. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain sealing reliability when needed while reducing operational resistance during rotation.
2Reliability
If more sealing elements are added to ensure leakproofness of multiple passages, then sealing performance is improved, but the frictional force hindering valve body rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are pre-configured with lifting structures that anticipate the rotation movement. As the valve body begins to rotate, the lifting structures engage first, causing the sealing elements to lift off the valve body surface before the main rotation occurs. This preliminary action reduces the frictional force that would otherwise resist the rotation, while still maintaining leakproofness when the valve is in its operational position.
3Reliability
If complex assembly structures are used for sealing elements, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting structures and sealing elements are merged into a single integrated component. Instead of using separate complex assembly structures for lifting and sealing, the invention combines these functions into one molded part. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, while maintaining the reliability benefits of the lifting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter to achieve both sealing and lifting functions. By selecting materials and designing geometries that exploit elastic properties, the system achieves reliable sealing through material deformation rather than complex mechanical structures, and enables lifting through elastic recovery, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
This design reduces the driving force required to rotate the valve body, extends the service life of sealing elements, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining leakproofness, thus lowering the overall cost and enhancing temperature regulation efficiency in vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing elements abut against an inner wall of the housing or an outer wall of the valve body and apply a pressing force thereto, the sealing elements hinder rotation of the valve body due to the frictional resistance caused by elastic deformation thereof
Implementation Method 2
the frictional resistance caused by elastic deformation thereof, and the frictional resistance shall be overcome to enable the valve body to be driven to rotate
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B-(a)
Figure 1B-(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a valve, comprising: a housing; at least one valve body disposed in the housing, and the at least one valve body being rotatable in the housing; and at least one sealing element provided between the housing and the at least one valve body, wherein the at least one sealing element is formed by integral molding. According to the present disclosure, the sealing element is molded on the valve body or the housing, thereby reducing the production cost while ensuring the leakproofness of the sealing elements.