Multi-Way Valve Seal Structure for Lower Actuation Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves require high power for actuation due to interdependent sealing forces that increase friction and torque, leading to increased actuator size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve design with a sealing system that decouples rotor and housing sealing forces, using a seal with an outer, inner, and mid-portion configuration, and a bias member to apply independent axial and radial forces, reducing friction and torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing systems are used with interdependent sealing forces, then sealing reliability is improved, but actuation power requirements increase due to increased friction and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into three distinct portions (outer, mid, and inner) that contact different surfaces independently. The outer portion contacts the rotor, the mid-portion contacts the seal groove sidewalls, and the inner portion provides additional sealing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sealing forces at each interface, enabling reliable sealing while minimizing the torque required to overcome friction during rotor rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seal are designed with different contact characteristics and force requirements. The outer portion is optimized for rotor sealing with minimal friction, the mid-portion provides structural support and housing sealing, and the inner portion provides additional sealing redundancy. This local differentiation allows each region to contribute to sealing reliability without collectively increasing actuation power requirements.
2Reliability
If higher sealing forces are applied to improve sealing performance, then sealing reliability is improved, but friction and wear increase leading to higher actuation power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seal into multiple portions with independent contact surfaces, the total sealing force is distributed across multiple interfaces rather than concentrated at a single interface. This reduces the frictional force at each interface proportionally, thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the rotor while maintaining overall sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mid-portion of the seal acts as an intermediary element that contacts the seal groove sidewalls rather than the rotating rotor surface. This transfers part of the sealing function to a stationary interface, eliminating friction and wear that would occur if the entire seal contacted the rotating rotor, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining sealing performance.
3Power
If decoupled sealing forces are used to reduce actuation power, then power requirements are reduced, but seal complexity increases with outer, mid, and inner portions
Solution Approach 1:
The outer, mid, and inner portions of the seal are combined into a single integrated seal component rather than separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components and assembly steps while achieving the decoupled sealing force functionality, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still reducing actuation power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port ion trap structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ion confinement, enables independent control of ion populations in different portions, and allows for versatile spectroscopic measurements. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by providing enhanced capabilities that would require multiple separate devices otherwise.
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 decoupled sealing forces minimize power requirements, reducing friction and wear, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective actuator design.
Implementation Method 1
The bias member is configured to apply an axial force to the valve rotor to urge the valve rotor into engagement with the seal to seal therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The outer contact surface of the outer portion of the seal engages the valve rotor to block movement of the fluid out of the plurality of flow paths between the outer contact surface and the valve rotor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A multi-way valve (10, 210) adapted to control a flow of fluid to different fluid circuits includes a valve housing (12), a valve flow controller (14), and a sealing system (16, 216). The valve flow controller is arranged in the valve housing to control flow through the valve housing. The sealing system is configured to seal between the valve housing and the valve flow controller.