Multi-Port Coolant Valve With Proportional Flow and Fluid Hammer Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant systems in motor vehicles, particularly in electric vehicles, face challenges with multiple actuators and infrastructure requirements due to complex valve arrangements, leading to increased bulkiness, cost, and noise issues from fluid hammer effects during transitional states.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve with a valve housing and movable valve member featuring surge-prevention openings and a sealing arrangement that reduces back-pressure by allowing fluid overflow during transitions, using a single sealing element for the third and fourth circumferential ports, and a low-profile actuator design to minimize noise and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and actuators are used to achieve proportional regulation and crossing functionality, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines proportional regulation and crossing functionality into a single multi-port valve with one actuator. The valve member has multiple flow channels that can be selectively opened or closed by rotating the single actuator to different positions, merging the functions of what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-port valve is designed to perform multiple functions: proportional regulation of coolant flow between different circuits and crossing functionality to divert flow between various components. The valve member's rotational positions enable it to serve as a universal flow control device for the entire coolant system.
2Productivity
If traditional valve arrangements are used, then flow distribution is achieved, but fluid hammer effects create noise during transitional states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compressible gas chamber as an intermediary element between the coolant flow and the valve ports. During transitional states when ports are blocked, the gas chamber absorbs pressure build-up and prevents fluid hammer effects by providing a compressible buffer zone, thereby eliminating the harmful noise while maintaining flow distribution capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate valves are used for proportional regulation and crossing functionality, then flow control precision is improved, but system bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated multi-port valve body, significantly reducing the spatial footprint and bulkiness of the coolant system while maintaining precise flow control through the valve member's rotational positioning mechanism.
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 solution effectively reduces the number of actuators needed, minimizes noise from fluid hammer effects, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing proportional and crossing flow functionalities with reduced energy consumption and cost, making it suitable for quiet electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
when the valve member is in a transitionary state, the back-pressure at the inlets of the valve can result in a fluid hammer effect as pressure builds up behind the inlet whilst the port to the valve is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-port valve comprising a valve housing having an axial port and a plurality of circumferential ports, and a valve member having at least two flow channels therethrough. The valve member is movable within the valve housing about an axis to alter a fluid flow through the multi-port valve by changing the position of the at least two flow channels. At least one proportional flow condition is achievable between the plurality of circumferential ports. There is also a sealing arrangement positioned between the valve housing and the valve member, the valve member being movable relative to the sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement comprises a seal associated with each of the plurality of circumferential ports. In one embodiment of the invention, the seal associated with the third circumferential port and the seal associated with the fourth circumferential port are provided on a single sealing element.