Multi-Port Rotor Valve Assembly for Versatile Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 establish multiple fluid flow paths using integrally formed ports and channels, allowing for fluid communication between different ports through side channels and main channels, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with five ports and multiple internal passages. Instead of using separate actuators for each flow path control, the invention integrates all flow direction control into one unified structure that can be operated by a single actuator, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multiple flow path configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can direct fluid flow through multiple different paths and configurations. The single valve assembly performs the functions of what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves or actuators, achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to change the valve configuration, then various flow paths can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body, the invention reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs associated with producing multiple actuators and valve bodies, while still achieving the capability to direct fluid through multiple flow paths
3Device complexity
If a single valve member is used to direct fluid from inlet port to outlet ports, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to achieve multiple flow paths and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve member is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating five ports and multiple internal passages that can be configured to create different flow paths. The valve body includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ports with interconnected passages that enable various flow configurations to be achieved by a single actuator, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing adaptability
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.