Multi-Passage Valve Sealing Layout for Low-Friction Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in vehicles lack an efficient multi-passage valve that can switch between different fluid pathways to regulate the temperature of components like batteries and motors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-passage valve with a rotatable valve element and a sealing element that allows for switching between different operating modes by aligning specific regions, reducing friction through minimal contact area, and ensuring sealed fluid pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve element rotates to switch between different fluid pathways, then the adaptability of the thermal management system is improved, but the friction between the sealing element and valve element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is divided into multiple independent regions (first region, second region, third region) with each region containing specific connecting passages. The sealing element is segmented to seal only the active region during rotation, reducing contact area and friction while maintaining multiple pathway switching capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element dynamically adjusts its sealing position relative to the valve element during rotation. As the valve element rotates between different operating modes, the sealing element moves to seal the corresponding active region, minimizing friction during the switching process while maintaining sealed connections.
2Reliability
If the sealing element maintains full contact with the valve element, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the friction during rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element applies sealing force locally only to the active region of the valve element that is currently in use, rather than maintaining full circumferential contact. This localized sealing approach ensures reliable sealing for the active pathway while minimizing friction during rotation to the next mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple regions are added to the valve element for different operating modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed as a universal component with multiple regions that can handle different fluid pathways. Each region contains connecting passages that can connect to various openings (first, second, third, fourth openings) to实现 different operating modes, allowing one valve element to perform multiple functions without requiring separate valves for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multi-passage valve including a housing, a valve element, and a sealing element. The valve element is rotatably disposed inside the housing around an axis, and has at least two regions on an outer side thereof. The regions are arranged in a direction of rotation of the valve element, and each extends in an axial direction of the valve element and has a plurality of connecting passages. The sealing element extends by a distance around the valve element, keeps in contact with an outer surface of the valve element, and is provided with a plurality of openings which communicate with the outside. One of the regions is capable of being covered by the sealing element by rotating the valve element to form an operating region, each of the connecting passages in the operating region being capable of connecting at least two of the openings.