Multi-Port Valve Flow Routing for Compact Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in vehicles have complex structures and high costs due to the need for multiple coolant valves to integrate multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers, which complicates operation and increases system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve with a valve housing and core that allows for multiple flow channels to be connected in series or independently through a guider passage or fluid guider, enabling diverse work modes and reducing the number of required valves, thus simplifying the system and lowering costs.
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 system structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant valve functions into a single multi-port valve with multiple flow channels. The valve core can be rotated to different positions to connect different flow channels, integrating the functions of multiple valves into one component, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve different work modes
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve is designed with multiple flow channels (first, second, third, and fourth flow channels) that can be selectively connected through rotation of the valve core. This universal design allows a single valve to perform multiple functions that previously required separate valves, reducing the number of components needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant valves are used to transfer coolant between multiple cooling circuits and heat exchangers, then different work modes can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single multi-port valve assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This consolidation lowers material costs, assembly costs, and overall system complexity while preserving the capability to achieve different work modes through rotation of the valve core
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant valves are used to control fluid flow, then different cooling circuits can be integrated, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cooling circuits into a single compact multi-port valve assembly where all flow channels and control mechanisms are housed within one valve body. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required compared to having separate valves distributed throughout the system, while still enabling integration of multiple cooling circuits through the selective connection of flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve includes a valve housing and a valve core. The valve housing comprises a cylindrical main body defining an inner cavity to rotatably accommodate the valve core and a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The valve core defines a plurality of flow channels, each extending through a sidewall of the valve core to form two opposite open ends. The valve housing is provided with a guider passage, and the plurality of flow channels include a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a third flow channel. The multi-port valve is operable to be switched between a plurality of work modes in response to the valve core rotating to different positions relative to the valve housing. The first flow channel is connected in series with the second flow channel via the guider passage in response to a first work mode of the plurality of work modes. The first flow channel is connected in series with the third flow channel via the guider passage in response to a second work mode of the plurality of work modes.