Multi-Way Valve Layout With Segmented Separating Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves with multiple inlet/outlet openings require significant force and long strokes for adjustment, especially in versatile designs with numerous opening combinations.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring multiple separating devices with passage recesses and recess bridges, allowing for simultaneous formation of multiple passage openings, reducing the required stroke and force needed for adjustment by overlapping these openings, and enabling independent control of different areas of the valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-separating-device valves are used to control multiple inlet/outlet openings, then the valve can provide versatile opening combinations, but the required adjustment stroke and force become excessively long and large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of opening combinationsVSAvoidadjustment stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into multiple separating devices (at least two), each responsible for controlling specific inlet/outlet openings. This segmentation allows each device to have a shorter, more manageable stroke while collectively providing versatile opening combinations through their coordinated arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-separating-device valves are used to control multiple inlet/outlet openings, then the valve can provide versatile opening combinations, but the force required for adjustment becomes excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of opening combinationsVSAvoidadjustment force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The total force requirement is distributed across multiple separating devices, each handling a portion of the control task. This segmentation reduces the force burden on each individual device while maintaining the overall versatility of the valve system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If multiple separating devices are arranged one behind another with overlapping openings, then the stroke is reduced to approximately one-nth where n is the number of openings, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment strokeVSAvoidnumber of separating devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separating devices are merged into a single integrated valve structure with coordinated control, allowing them to function as a unified system rather than separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving reduced stroke.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If multiple separating devices are arranged one behind another with overlapping openings, then the adjustment speed increases significantly, but the mechanical work required changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidmechanical work
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each separating device performs only a portion of the total adjustment action required by traditional single-device valves. This partial action approach enables faster adjustment speeds while the cumulative effect of all devices achieves the complete flow control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4700259A1Quickly and/or easily adjustable three-way valve or multiple-way valve
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 KEITSCH MARKUS
  • EP4700259A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4700259A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4700259A1 patent drawingFigure 2d~3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a mechanically actuated three-way or multi-way valve which can be adjusted with less mechanical work than conventional mechanically actuated three-way or multi-way valves. This is made possible by two separating devices (2a, 2b) arranged one behind the other, wherein at least one of the separating devices (2a, 2b) has a recess. A device for reversibly acting on the separating device (2a, 2b) is arranged in this recess. This can be an actuating device (6), a clamping device (16), or a combination of these two. In all possible device configurations, the position of the arrangement and/or the design of the device facilitates easier adjustment of the valves according to the invention, thus reducing the mechanical work required for adjustment.This allows for the use of significantly weaker and therefore smaller actuators for operating the actuating device (6). In further improved embodiments of the valves according to the invention, the actuating travel can be significantly shortened by providing more than one through-hole (3) for at least one, preferably several or all inlet/outlet ports (5a to 5d) of a valve according to the invention, thus further reducing the mechanical work required to adjust the valve.