Motor-Driven Multi-Way Valve for Low-Leak HVAC Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pipes of air conditioning systems in new energy vehicles are complex and have many leakage points due to the use of multiple single-way solenoid valves, leading to low reliability and difficulty in installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve with a motor assembly, valve body, and valve core, featuring a flow-through channel and sealing assembly, which allows for zero differential pressure starting and seamless switching between modes, reducing the need for multiple valves and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-way solenoid valves are used to implement pipe switching, then switching between cooling, heating, defrosting, and demisting functions can be realized, but the pipes of the air conditioning system become complex with many leakage points and low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-way solenoid valves into a single multi-way valve body with multiple ports. The valve core integrates the functions of multiple valves, allowing switching between cooling, heating, defrosting, and demisting modes through a single component. This merging reduces the number of separate valves and pipe connections, thereby simplifying the system structure and reducing leakage points while maintaining full mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way valve is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple refrigerant flow directions and modes within a single device. The valve body includes multiple ports (first port, second port, third port, fourth port) and a valve core with flow channels that can be configured to achieve cooling, heating, defrosting, and demisting functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate single-way valves for each function, reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differential pressure-based driving structure is used in four-way valve, then switching between heating and cooling modes can be performed, but the valve core is prone to being affected by differential pressure changes and cannot be kept at a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the differential pressure-based mechanical driving structure with an electromagnetic driving mechanism. The valve core is equipped with a driving mechanism that includes electromagnetic components (such as solenoid coils or electromagnetic actuators) that can actively control the valve core position. This substitution allows the valve core to be precisely positioned and held stable in different modes, eliminating the instability caused by differential pressure changes while maintaining mode switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of single-way solenoid valves are used to implement pipe switching, then multi-mode switching can be realized, but the number of valve bodies and pipes increases, making installation and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-way solenoid valves into a single integrated multi-way valve body. The valve includes a common valve body with multiple ports and a valve core that can switch between different modes (cooling, heating, defrosting, demisting). This consolidation reduces the number of separate valve bodies and pipe connections, making the system easier to install and maintain while preserving full multi-mode switching functionality.
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 multi-way valve simplifies the air conditioning system by reducing the number of components and pipes, enhancing sealing performance, and facilitating easy installation and maintenance while maintaining high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly, having a driving end... the motor assembly is able to drive the valve core to rotate in the communication cavity
Implementation Method 2
a sealing assembly which is provided between the second end of the flow-through channel and the valve body and can form sealing between the second end of the flow-through channel and one corresponding communication port of the plurality of communication ports
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-way valve, including: a motor assembly (10), having a driving end; a valve body (20), provided with a communication cavity (21), an inlet/outlet port (22), and a plurality of communication ports, the plurality of communication ports are annularly arranged at intervals on the valve body and are all in communication with the communication cavity, and the inlet/outlet port is in communication with the communication cavity; and a valve core (30), rotatably provided in the communication cavity, wherein a center around which the plurality of communication ports are arranged is on a rotation axis of the valve core, the valve core is provided with a flow-through channel (31), a first end of the flow-through channel being located on the rotation axis of the valve core and being in communication with the inlet/outlet port, a second end of the flow-through channel being selectively in communication with one communication port of the plurality of communication ports, the driving end is in driving connection with the valve core, wherein the motor assembly is able to drive the valve core to rotate in the communication cavity. The multi-way valve can solve the problem that pipes of an air conditioning systems in a prior art are complex and have many leakage points and low reliability.