Multi-Valve Switch Plate Layout for Compact Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-valve systems are inefficient in distributing different fluids in a space-saving manner, as they often require complex rotations and large installation spaces due to the design of switch disks and cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A multi-valve system with a switch plate connected to an endless belt, allowing for translational movement within a gap between input and output branches, enabling flexible and space-efficient connection and disconnection of fluid paths by using a perforated plate with through-openings and continuous regions, allowing for compact integration and quick switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a switch plate connected to an endless belt is used for translational movement, then the installation space is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the belt mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The switch plate is connected to an endless belt that enables translational movement between different switch positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the switch plate to move linearly along the belt, providing flexible fluid path switching while maintaining a compact structure. The endless belt serves as a space-efficient transmission medium compared to traditional rotational mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is divided into multiple switch positions (first switch position, second switch position, etc.), with each position controlling different fluid paths. The endless belt segments the switching function into discrete positions, allowing independent control of different fluid channels while sharing a common actuation mechanism, thus reducing overall installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input channels are connected to multiple output channels via a switch plate, then the fluid distribution flexibility is improved, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch plate serves multiple functions by controlling connections between different combinations of input channels (first input channel, second input channel, etc.) and output channels (first output channel, second output channel, etc.). A single switch plate mechanism handles all fluid distribution decisions, eliminating the need for separate valves for each fluid path, thus reducing overall valve size while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid control functions are merged into a single integrated valve body with a common switch plate. The endless belt mechanism unifies the actuation of all switch positions, combining what would traditionally require multiple independent valves into one compact unit, reducing total valve size while preserving fluid distribution flexibility.
3Productivity
If the switch plate is translationally moved to open and close connections, then the switching speed is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endless belt acts as an intermediary between the actuation mechanism and the switch plate. It translates actuation forces into precise translational movements of the switch plate, ensuring accurate positioning at different switch positions. The belt mechanism provides a controlled motion path that reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining fast switching speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch plate transitions between discrete switch positions (first switch position, second switch position, etc.) along the endless belt. This parameter change approach converts continuous translational motion into discrete, well-defined positions, reducing the impact of manufacturing precision variations on switching accuracy while maintaining rapid switching capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-valve for distributing at least one fluid, includes a plurality of input channels for supplying a respective fluid, a plurality of output channels for discharging the fluid, wherein a respective input channel can be connected via a plurality of input branches to a respective, substantially coaxially arranged output branch of the respective different output channels, and a switch plate which is arranged in a gap between the input branches and output branches and can be translationally moved transversely to the input branches and output branches in order to open and/or close a connection of the respective input branch to the respectively assigned output branch, wherein the switch plate is connected to an endless belt.