Multi-Seat Control Valve for Selective Fluid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves in motor vehicles lack flexibility and efficiency in fluid communication and sealing, limiting their ability to selectively manage multiple outlets and inlets effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design with a multi-part housing and valve seats, featuring adjustable shaft positions that allow for selective communication between multiple inlets and outlets through multiple valve seats, enhanced by integral sliding surfaces and bearings for improved sealing and guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control valve has only two switching positions (inlet/outlet separated or connected), then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is insufficient for selectively managing multiple outlets and inlets
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is divided into multiple independent valve seats (first valve seat, second valve seat) with separate through-openings, allowing each valve seat to control fluid communication independently. This segmentation enables the valve to selectively manage multiple inlet-outlet combinations without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each segment can be controlled separately by the shaft's positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shaft serves multiple functions by controlling both the first and second valve seats simultaneously. By positioning the shaft in different angular positions, the valve can achieve various fluid communication patterns (first inlet to first outlet, second inlet to second outlet, or both simultaneously), making the valve structure universally applicable for multiple switching scenarios without requiring separate control mechanisms for each pathway.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing is designed as a one-piece structure, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a housing body and a closure that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the valve components (valve seats, shaft, seals) to be pre-assembled and tested within the housing body before final assembly with the closure, significantly improving ease of manufacture and assembly. The modular design enables independent manufacturing of components while maintaining overall system precision through standardized connection interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability for selective fluid communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing, transforming from a fixed static component to a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the shaft to selectively align different valve seats and through-openings, enabling flexible fluid communication control. The dynamic positioning is achieved through precise mechanical interfaces including bearings for smooth rotation and sealing elements that maintain fluid tightness across different angular positions, thus achieving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
4Ease of repair
If sealing elements are integrated into the valve stem, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are segmented into distinct components that can be independently accessed and replaced. The first seal and second seal are positioned at different locations along the shaft, allowing selective replacement of individual sealing elements without disassembling the entire valve. This segmentation maintains sealing integrity by ensuring each seal can be properly installed and positioned while significantly improving ease of repair, as only the specific faulty seal needs to be replaced rather than the entire shaft assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control valve according to the invention, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a housing (400, 410) having at least one first opening (1) and at least one second opening (2), a first valve seat (100) arranged in the housing between the first and second openings, and a stem (300) on which a first cover (310) is arranged, wherein the stem is adjustable into a first stem position in which at least one through-opening (110) of the first valve seat is closed by the first cover, and a second stem position in which this through-opening of the first valve seat is not closed by the first cover, wherein the stem is linearly movable in a first bearing (120) on the first valve seat.