Multi-Plane Multi-Port Valve Layout With Fewer Leak Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-port valves face increased complexity, part count, manufacturing costs, and potential leak paths due to multiple ports and external plumbing, which complicates fluid flow control across different planes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port multi-plane valve design featuring a single-piece housing with integrated ports and a rotatable shell body, surrounded by a seal member, allowing for fluid flow control between ports in the same and different planes without external plumbing, reducing part count and leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are added to the valve to enable multi-planar fluid flow control, then the functionality and versatility of the valve is improved, but the device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple ports (at least four ports: first inlet, second inlet, first outlet, second outlet) into a single valve body, merging multiple flow control functions into one device. This allows multi-planar fluid flow control while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate valves or complex external plumbing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple fluid flow paths simultaneously. The single valve body performs multiple functions: controlling flow from first inlet to first outlet, second inlet to second outlet, and providing isolation capabilities for each port, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports with fittings are welded onto the housing to achieve desired connections, then the connectivity and flow control options are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body integrates multiple port connections directly into its structure, combining what would otherwise be separate welding operations into a single manufactured component. The housing is designed with built-in connection interfaces that eliminate the need for multiple separate fitting welding steps.
3Reliability
If multiple seals are added to seal the various ports off from one another, then the reliability and leak prevention are improved, but the part count and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealing mechanisms that integrate multiple sealing functions into unified components. The valve member and housing are designed with built-in sealing surfaces and interfaces that provide leak prevention across multiple ports simultaneously, reducing the need for numerous separate seal elements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external plumbing is used to provide multi-planar fluid flow, then the flexibility of system configuration is improved, but the system footprint and volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multi-planar fluid flow control functionality into a single compact valve body, merging what would traditionally require extensive external plumbing into one integrated component. This dramatically reduces the system footprint while maintaining the ability to control fluid flow across multiple planes and directions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a multi-port multi-plane valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports in which each port lies within one of two planes that are normal to each other. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. At least one flow enhancer channel may be included to reduce the pressure drop occurring on one side of the valve when controlling flow paths on the other side of the valve.