Partitioned Flow Path Switch Valve for Multi-Channel Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of flow path switch valves in fluid circulation circuits for vehicles, particularly in hybrid vehicles, leads to increased component count and costs, and existing valves require complex structures to manage multiple flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A flow path switch valve with a housing that includes a primary partition and secondary partitions to divide spaces, and a valve element with first and second communication passages, allowing simultaneous change of flow paths without complicating the structure by rotating a rotor to alter communication between subspaces and spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of flow path switch valves is increased to manage multiple flow paths, then the flow path control capability is improved, but the component count and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow path switching functions into a single valve body by dividing the internal chamber into multiple compartment chambers with partitions. This allows one valve to perform the work of multiple valves, reducing component count while maintaining flow path control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed with multiple inflow ports and outflow ports that can be selectively connected through different compartment chambers. A single valve structure provides universal control over multiple flow paths, enabling one component to replace several specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a partition structure is used to divide the inner chamber into compartment chambers, then the flow path switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal chamber is segmented into multiple compartment chambers using partitions, allowing independent flow path control within each compartment. This segmentation enables complex flow path switching while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure with a single moving partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition is designed to move within the housing to change the configuration of compartment chambers. This nested arrangement allows the partition to dynamically reconfigure the flow paths without requiring multiple separate moving components, simplifying the device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inflow ports and outflow ports are provided, then the flow path flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflow port and outflow port is designed to be communicable with multiple compartment chambers, allowing a single port to serve multiple flow path functions. This universal port design enables flexible flow path configuration without requiring dedicated ports for each possible flow path combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing forms: a first space and a second space; and a third space that is placed on one side relative to the first space and the second space in one direction. A primary partition partitions between the first space and the second space, and secondary partitions partition the first space into a plurality of subspaces. A valve element has: a first communication passage extending through the valve element in the one direction; and a second communication passage recessed on the valve element from another side toward the one side in the one direction. In response to movement of the valve element, the valve element changes a subspace to be communicated with the third space through the first communication passage among the plurality of subspaces and also changes another subspace to be communicated with the second space through the second communication passage among the plurality of subspaces.