Multi-way valve for a control of a refrigerant circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves for refrigerant circuits with heat pump functions are complex and lack a simple, efficient method for controlling multiple switching positions and service operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve design featuring a housing with two opposing regulating chambers and rotary slide valve arrangements, allowing for up to six switching positions and a service position, with a structurally simple and pressure-tight configuration, optimized for refrigerant flow and pressure conditions, and driven by a common shaft for coordinated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way valve with multiple switching positions is designed to control refrigerant circuits with heat pump functions, then the control functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve is divided into two separate valve arrangements (first and second) that can be independently inserted into the housing. Each valve arrangement has its own rotary slide valve and control mechanisms, allowing the complex control functionality to be segmented into manageable units while maintaining overall system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with universal features that can accommodate different valve arrangements and control configurations. The housing includes multiple connection openings and regulating chambers that can support various switching positions (up to six) and service operations, making the overall system adaptable to different refrigerant circuit configurations
2Device complexity
If two multi-way valve arrangements are inserted into the same housing with opposing regulating chambers, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The two valve arrangements are designed with asymmetric features that allow them to be mirror-inverted relative to each other. This asymmetric design enables precise alignment of the opposing regulating chambers while accommodating the specific flow direction and pressure conditions of each valve arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing regulating chambers are aligned in a common longitudinal axis, creating equipotential conditions for pressure distribution. This alignment ensures that both valve arrangements operate under comparable pressure conditions while maintaining structural simplicity in the housing design
3Productivity
If connection openings are oriented tangentially to the regulating chamber for decentralized alignment, then the refrigerant flow efficiency is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection openings are oriented tangentially to the regulating chamber, utilizing the radial dimension of the chamber to optimize refrigerant flow paths. This tangential orientation creates decentralized flow patterns that reduce pressure loss while the housing structure provides alignment features that simplify installation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-way valve for controlling a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system with a heat pump function, having a housing which has two mutually opposite end faces which each comprise an insertion opening to which a regulating chamber is connected, having multi-way valve arrangements which can each be inserted in the regulating chamber, the multi-way valve arrangement comprising at least one base body and a rotary slide valve arrangement, with in each case one connection in the housing, which open into the respective regulating chamber, and with at least further connections in the housing, which open into at least one channel which extends between the regulating chambers.