Multi-Port Coolant Valve for Simpler Vehicle Thermal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles have complex structures and high costs due to the need for multiple coolant valves to integrate multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers for different operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve with a valve housing and core that includes multiple ports grouped into port groups, allowing for various work modes by selectively communicating main ports with sub-ports through rotatable flow channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant valves are used to integrate multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers, then the thermal management system can achieve different work modes, but the structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant valve functions into a single multi-port valve that can integrate multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers. This single valve has multiple ports that can be configured to connect different circuits, eliminating the need for several separate valves and reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve different work modes
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: it can serve as a flow distributor, a circuit integrator, and a work mode selector all in one component. The valve's multiple ports and internal passage configurations enable it to handle various thermal management scenarios that previously required multiple specialized valves
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant valves are used to integrate multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers, then the thermal management system can achieve different work modes, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single multi-port valve, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This consolidation lowers material costs, manufacturing expenses, and assembly complexity while preserving the system's capability to achieve different work modes through the valve's configurable port connections
3Device complexity
If a single multi-port valve is used to simplify the system, then the structure becomes simpler and cost decreases, but the valve must handle multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-port valve is designed with segmented functional zones, where different ports and internal passages can be independently configured to serve specific cooling circuits or heat exchangers. This segmentation allows the single valve to handle multiple functions by directing coolant flow through different internal pathways, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the overall system structure
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
The multi-port valve simplifies the thermal management system by reducing complexity and cost while enabling multiple work modes to efficiently manage coolant flow between cooling circuits and heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
The valve core is rotatably mounted to the valve housing and defines at least two flow channels. The multi-port valve has a plurality of work modes in response to the valve core rotated as regard to the valve housing to different positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve includes a valve housing and a valve core. The valve housing includes a plurality of ports arranged in a circumferential direction. All the ports are grouped into at least two port groups. Each of the port groups includes a main port and a plurality of sub-ports. The valve core is rotatably mounted to the valve housing and defines at least two flow channels. The multi-port valve has a plurality of work modes in response to the valve core rotated as regard to the valve housing to different positions. In different work modes, each of said at least two flow channels is configured to selectively communicate one of the main ports with one of the sub-ports.