Multi-Port Rotor Valve with Integrated Channels for Flexible Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-port valve assemblies are complex and costly to manufacture, making them expensive for directing fluid flow from an inlet port to multiple outlet ports.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve assembly with a rotor that can be placed in various configurations to create multiple fluid flow paths using integrally formed ports and channels, allowing for fluid communication between different ports through side channels and main channels, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to change the valve configuration to direct fluid flow, then the valve can achieve multiple flow paths and configurations, but the device becomes expensive and complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow path functions into a single valve body with multiple ports (first port, second port, third port, fourth port, fifth port) and integrated channels. Instead of using separate actuators for each flow path, the invention merges all flow control functions into one unified valve structure with a single actuator that rotates the valve member to achieve different flow configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can direct flow from the first port to the third port, from the second port to the third port, from the fourth port to the fifth port, or combine multiple flows. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to change the valve configuration, then various flow paths can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple actuator functions into a single actuator-valve member assembly. The valve member integrates all flow path control capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple flow configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve member is designed to perform multiple functions - directing flow through different paths, combining flows, and isolating ports - all through one component. This universal design reduces the total number of parts and manufacturing steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If a single valve member is used to direct fluid to multiple outlet ports, then the valve structure is simpler, but achieving multiple flow paths simultaneously becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member incorporates three-dimensional channel routing that allows multiple independent flow paths to coexist within a single component. The channels are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations, enabling the valve to simultaneously direct flow through multiple paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is divided into multiple independent channel systems (first channel, second channel, third channel) that can operate independently or in combination. Each channel system can be controlled to create specific flow paths, allowing the single valve member to achieve complex multi-path flow configurations through segmented channel design.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve assembly, which includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing such that the rotor is operable for being placed in a plurality of positions, and a first channel integrally formed as part of the rotor. The multi-port valve assembly includes various ports which are all integrally formed as part of the housing. The rotor is rotated such that the multi-port valve assembly is placed in one of a plurality of configurations having two or more flow paths, providing fluid communication between the various ports. The rotor may include a first side channel, a second side channel fluidically isolated from the first side channel, and where the first side channel and the second side channel are fluidically isolated from the first channel. The rotor may also a first channel and a second channel, and the second channel is fluidically isolated from the first channel.