Multi-Port Rotary Valve Layout for EV Thermal Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management modules in vehicles face issues with decentralized component arrangement, leading to long connecting hoses and cables, increased assembly effort, high risk of leaks and short circuits, and pressure and voltage losses due to corrosion, which affects reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve device with a rotatable valve body having multiple connecting channels, allowing for connection of multiple fluid flows through a single actuator, reducing the need for multiple valves and minimizing space while preventing pressure differences and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized component arrangement is used in thermal management modules, then flexibility in component placement is improved, but assembly complexity and installation effort increase due to long connecting hoses and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously decentralized components (valves, heat exchangers, fluid handling elements) into a single compact thermal management module housing. This merging eliminates the need for long connecting hoses and cables between decentralized components, thereby reducing assembly complexity and installation effort while maintaining the ability to place the integrated module at optimal locations within the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated thermal management module is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions and replace several decentralized components. The module includes multiple connection openings and fluid handling elements that can manage various fluid streams simultaneously, providing versatility in component placement while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized component arrangement with long connecting hoses and cables is used, then flexibility in layout is improved, but reliability decreases due to high risk of leaks and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single integrated module with internal fluid passages and electrical connections, the patent eliminates numerous external connecting hoses and cables that were prone to leaks and short circuits. The integrated design reduces the number of connection points and interfaces, thereby significantly improving system reliability while maintaining layout flexibility through the modular nature of the combined unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to handle multiple fluid streams, then fluid control capability is improved, but device compactness deteriorates requiring more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valves and fluid handling elements into a single compact valve device with a rotatable valve body that contains multiple connecting channels. This merging allows the device to handle multiple fluid streams with a single actuator, providing full fluid control capability while occupying minimal space compared to using multiple separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable valve body is designed as a universal component that can connect and control multiple fluid streams simultaneously through its multiple connecting channels. By rotating the valve body to different positions, a single actuator can direct different fluid flows as needed, providing multi-functional fluid control in a compact design that replaces several separate valves.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate valves with multiple actuators are used, then fluid stream control precision is improved, but assembly complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single rotatable valve body that can be controlled by one actuator. The valve body contains multiple connecting channels that can be selectively connected to different fluid streams by rotating the body to specific positions, maintaining precise fluid stream control while reducing the number of actuators and assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable valve body introduces dynamic control capability, allowing a single actuator to precisely control multiple fluid streams by rotating the valve body to different angular positions. This dynamic mechanism replaces multiple static valves with separate actuators, achieving the same control precision with reduced complexity and fewer components.
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 compact valve device enhances reliability, reduces assembly complexity, minimizes leaks, and improves efficiency by allowing multiple fluid flows to be managed with a single actuator, while also simplifying control and reducing pressure differences, thus enhancing the overall thermal management system.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body which is arranged within the valve housing and is rotatable about a rotation axis R, wherein the valve body has at least four connecting channels in order to fluidically connect two connection openings to one another
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for handling fluid of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle, with a valve device (400), comprising a valve housing (410), wherein the valve housing (410) has at least eight radially arranged connector openings (420) for the inflow or outflow of fluid, and a valve body (430), which is arranged within the valve housing (410) and which is arranged so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis R, wherein the valve body (430) has at least four connecting ducts (440) in order to fluidically connect in each case two connector openings (420) to one another.