Multi-Plane Valve Layout for Compact Multi-Port Flow Routing
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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 valve's functionality and versatility are 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, combining multiple flow control functions into one device. This merging approach enables 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 with universal functionality to handle fluid flow in multiple planes simultaneously. The single valve body performs multiple functions: controlling flow from different inlets to different outlets, enabling multi-planar flow paths, and providing integrated flow control that would otherwise require multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports and external plumbing are used to achieve multi-planar fluid flow, then the valve's flow control capability is improved, but the required volume or footprint of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of ports and internal passages within the valve body to achieve multi-planar fluid flow. By designing ports and flow paths in different spatial dimensions and planes within the compact valve housing, the system enables complex multi-planar flow control without requiring proportional increases in external plumbing or system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal flow passages and ports are nested within the valve body housing, with multiple flow paths contained within the single valve structure. This nesting approach allows multi-planar flow control functionality to be packed into a compact volume, eliminating the need for extensive external plumbing that would increase system footprint.
3Reliability
If multiple seals are added to seal the various ports, then the valve's sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single seal member that simultaneously seals multiple ports (first inlet, second inlet, first outlet, second outlet) within the valve body. This single seal member integrates the sealing function for all ports, reducing the number of separate seal components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing across all fluid pathways.
4Strength
If welded assemblies are used to connect multiple ports to the housing, then the valve's structural integrity is improved, but the number of potential leak paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ports directly into the valve body housing as integral features rather than separate components requiring welding. This integration eliminates weld joints and associated leak paths, while the monolithic valve body structure maintains structural integrity. The ports are formed as part of the housing itself, removing the need for separate port components and their associated sealing and welding requirements.
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.