Multi-Port Valve Assembly for Independent Heat Flow Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-port valve assemblies in heating and cooling systems require multiple components and complex installations, leading to increased costs and maintenance challenges, especially when prioritizing heat or cooling between two sources.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a plunger that moves axially between positions to control fluid flow between multiple fluid openings, allowing for independent control of each flow path while closing the remaining openings, thereby simplifying the system and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple two-way valves are used to control flow in separate partial circuits, then each flow path can be controlled independently, but the number of components increases and installation and maintenance become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple two-way valve functions into a single multi-port valve assembly. The valve housing contains multiple ports (first, second, third, and fourth fluid openings) with internal elements that can independently control flow between different port combinations, eliminating the need for separate two-way valves while maintaining independent flow path control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. It can control flow between different port combinations (e.g., first to second, first to third, second to fourth, third to fourth) using a single valve body, making the device universal for various flow control configurations that would otherwise require multiple specialized valves.
2Device complexity
If a diverting valve is used to switch between heating and cooling sources, then the number of components is reduced, but control of individual flow paths becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable flow paths within a single device. Each port combination (first-second, first-third, second-fourth, third-fourth) can be controlled separately through distinct internal mechanisms, allowing the valve to function as both a diverting valve for source switching and as multiple two-way valves for individual circuit control simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A valve assembly (1000) is disclosed. The valve assembly (1000) comprises a valve housing (100). The valve housing further comprises a first fluid opening (20), a second fluid opening (40), a third fluid opening (60), a valve bore (80) having an axial extension (A1), and a flow limiting valve housing portion (110). The valve assembly further comprises a plunger (200) disposed within the valve bore (80), the plunger (200) being arranged to move along the axial extension (A1) of the valve bore (80) between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. The plunger (200), while being axially situated in a fluid flow preventing position being a position between the first and the second plunger position, prevents a fluid to flow in a first flow path (FP1) and in a second flow path (FP2), wherein the first flow path (FP1) is a flow path between the first fluid opening (20) and the second fluid opening (40), and wherein the second flow path (FP2) is a flow path between the first fluid opening (20) and the third fluid opening (60). A method (500) for controlling a fluid flowing through a valve assembly (1000) is also provided.