Multiway Valve Two-Stage Actuation Prevents Unintended Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves for agricultural field sprayers activate unintended valve elements during the selection process, leading to unwanted liquid flow and energy loss due to brief pressure actuation of non-selected outlet lines.
Innovation Solution
The multi-way valve design allows for separate and independent selection and actuation processes, with an actuator that moves radially and linearly to engage specific valve elements without activating others, using a projection and recess mechanism to ensure precise control and minimize energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central actuating element is used to select valve elements by rotary movement, then the valve can be operated manually with simple construction, but unintended valve elements are briefly actuated during selection causing liquid flow and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a rotary selector that positions the actuator without actuating valves, and a separate linear actuation stroke that opens the selected valve. This segmentation prevents unintended valve actuation during selection while maintaining manual operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary movement performs a preliminary positioning action that brings the actuator into alignment with the desired valve element without actuating it. Only after this preliminary positioning is complete does the linear actuation stroke occur, ensuring no unintended valves are opened during the selection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator moves through a continuous rotary path to select valves, then all positions can be reached, but intermediate valve elements are pressed during the selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rotary movement is segmented into a positioning phase (rotary movement only) and an actuation phase (linear movement only). During the rotary positioning phase, the actuator passes over intermediate valves without pressing them, as the projection only engages the selected valve's actuation surface after precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary that decouples the selection function (rotary movement) from the actuation function (linear movement). This intermediary mechanism allows the selector to reach any valve position without directly actuating intermediate valves, preventing unintended liquid flow.
3Volume of moving object
If valve elements are arranged in a circle around a central actuating element, then compact arrangement is achieved, but selection process requires moving past multiple valves causing brief actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The selection and actuation functions are segmented into separate motion phases. The rotary selector can quickly position among multiple valves without actuating them, and only the final selected valve undergoes the linear actuation stroke. This eliminates the time loss from repeatedly actuating and de-actuating intermediate valves during selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-way valve (10), particularly for agricultural field sprayers, comprising: a supply port (30); N consumer ports (20); N valve elements (42), each capable of establishing a fluid-permeable connection between the supply port (30) and at least one of the N consumer ports (20); and an actuator (100) for selecting at least one of the N valve elements (42) and for actuating the selected valve element (42) into an open or closed position. The multi-way valve according to the invention is characterized in that the actuator (100) and the N valve elements (42) are designed and arranged such that the selection and actuation of one of the N valve elements (42) can be carried out independently in two stages, so that none of the N valve elements (42) are actuated during the selection of the at least one valve element (42).