Multi-Way Valve Seal Structure for Independent Fluid Chamber Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way fluid valves lack the ability to independently control fluid flows and are costly to produce, particularly in applications like vehicle cooling systems where precise fluid management is required.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way fluid valve with a seal featuring elastically deformable anchoring sections for dynamic sealing with the valve housing and a statically sealing flange-like section for the valve body, allowing for independent control of fluid flows between valve chambers based on the valve body's position, using a combination of spring-like anchoring elements and a connecting piece for enhanced sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way fluid valve uses a conventional seal design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot independently control fluid flows between different valve chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functionally independent sealing sections (first sealing section with first sealing surface, second sealing section with second sealing surface, and third sealing section with third sealing surface). Each sealing section can independently seal against different valve body surfaces, enabling independent control of fluid flows between different valve chambers while maintaining a unified seal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing sections of the seal are designed with different local properties - each having specific sealing surfaces oriented in different directions to interact with different valve body surfaces. This local differentiation allows the single seal component to provide multiple independent sealing functions for controlling fluid flows in different directions.
2Reliability
If the seal uses a rigid structure, then manufacturing is easy, but it cannot adapt to pressure conditions and maintain sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with elastic material properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to pressure conditions. The sealing sections can deform elastically under fluid pressure to maintain contact with the valve body sealing surfaces, ensuring reliable sealing. The dynamic adaptation is enabled by the elastic nature of the seal material while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured structure.
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
Enables precise control of fluid flows between valve chambers, preventing unwanted mixing and allowing desired fluid distribution, while being cost-effective to produce and suitable for use in vehicle cooling systems as a mixing or distributor valve.
Implementation Method 1
The seal has an elastically deformable anchoring section on the valve housing side for insertion into a groove-shaped valve housing recess and for dynamically sealing contact with the valve housing recess
Implementation Method 2
a valve body-side section for statically sealing contact with the valve body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A seal 26, 28 is proposed for use in a fluid valve 2 and for dividing a valve chamber between two adjacent ports 10, 12, 14, 16 of the fluid valve 2, in which an adjustable valve body 18 of the fluid valve 2 is arranged. The seal 26, 28 divides the valve chamber, which is formed by a valve housing 4, 6 and the adjustable valve body 18, into a first valve chamber V1 and a second valve chamber V2, depending on the position of the valve body 18, in order to prevent the flow of fluid between the first valve chamber V1 and the second valve chamber V2 depending on the position of the valve body 18.The seal 26, 28 has a valve housing-side, elastically deformable anchoring section 28VG for insertion into a groove-shaped valve housing recess 7 and for dynamic sealing against the valve housing recess 7, as well as a valve body-side section 28VK for static sealing against the valve body 18. A sealing arrangement with such a seal and a multi-way fluid valve with such a sealing arrangement are also proposed.