Integrated Multi-Way Valve Core for Compact EV Thermal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple three-way and four-way valves in thermal management systems for electric vehicles is challenging due to space, cost, and complexity, particularly in switching between conduction and cutoff states, leading to increased layout space and flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve core with a valve core body featuring alternating conduction and cutoff regions arranged in a circular array, combined with a multi-way valve that allows for rotational switching through a valve seat, reducing the number of valves and pipelines, and enabling diverse thermal management modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal management members are dispersedly arranged, then each member can be independently controlled, but the layout space and number of pipelines increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions (three-way and four-way valve operations) are merged into a single integrated multi-way valve assembly with multiple docking regions. This consolidation maintains independent control capability for each thermal management member while significantly reducing the layout space required compared to dispersed arrangement of separate valves and pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve core body serves multiple functions simultaneously through its multiple docking regions, each capable of independent conduction and cutoff operations. This multi-functionality allows the single valve assembly to control multiple thermal management members independently, achieving the versatility of dispersed arrangement with the space efficiency of integration.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple and practical structure is used for alternate state switching, then cost and weight are reduced, but the ability to handle multiple operation conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve core body incorporates rotatable components (such as the valve core and valve seat arrangement) that enable dynamic switching between multiple operation conditions. This dynamic mechanism allows a relatively simple and practical structure to achieve multiple conduction and cutoff states, satisfying diverse thermal management requirements while maintaining cost and weight efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the valve core configuration, particularly the rotational position of the valve core relative to the valve seat, to switch between different conduction and cutoff states. This parameter-based control enables a simple structure to handle multiple operation conditions by changing the angular position rather than requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an integrated valve core. A valve core body of the integrated valve core has at least two docking regions at an end surface of the valve core body. The at least two docking regions are arranged in a circumferential direction of the valve core body. Each of the at least two docking regions includes a conduction region and a cutoff region that are arranged in a circumferential direction of the valve core body. For two adjacent docking regions of the at least two docking regions, the conduction region of one of the two adjacent docking regions is adjacent to the conduction region of another one of the two adjacent docking regions, or the cutoff region of one of the two adjacent docking regions is adjacent to the cutoff region of another one of the two adjacent docking regions.