Valve device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration systems, the existing solutions for preventing refrigerant backflow into the hot pipe and efficiently routing refrigerant to appropriate capillary tubes based on cooling load are costly, complex, and inefficient, often requiring additional valves and space.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a rotatable pad mechanism that selectively opens and connects refrigerant inlet and outlet holes to control the flow of refrigerant to different capillary tubes, bypassing the hot pipe when necessary, without the need for additional check or three-way valves, allowing efficient routing based on cooling load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is installed between the hot pipe and the junction of the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe to prevent refrigerant backflow, then refrigerant backflow is prevented, but additional cost is incurred and the check valve may be less effective in completely preventing backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the check valve from the system by redesigning the three-way valve's internal structure. The pad mechanism with selectively openable holes and connection cavities replaces the need for separate backflow prevention devices, achieving backflow prevention through the valve's inherent design rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-way valve is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it controls refrigerant flow distribution to different capillary tubes and simultaneously prevents refrigerant backflow into the hot pipe. The pad mechanism achieves both flow control and backflow prevention through its selective hole opening and cavity connection features, making the valve universal in its functionality.
2Reliability
If an additional three-way valve is installed at the junction of the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe to prevent refrigerant backflow, then refrigerant backflow is prevented, but installation space is required and pipe connection becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the backflow prevention function with the existing three-way valve structure. The pad mechanism with its selectively openable holes and connection cavities is integrated into the valve body, combining flow distribution and backflow prevention into a single unified component, thereby eliminating the need for additional valves and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced three-way valve performs multiple functions including flow distribution to different capillary tubes and backflow prevention through its pad mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate backflow prevention devices, reducing installation complexity and space requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the refrigerant is transferred to the hot pipe to maintain temperature above dew point, then dew formation on refrigerator door gasket is prevented, but energy consumption increases due to heat load inside the refrigerator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic control mechanism through the rotatable pad that can selectively open or close different holes in the boss based on operating conditions. This allows the system to dynamically switch between routing refrigerant through the hot pipe (when dew prevention is needed) or directly to capillary tubes (when energy efficiency is prioritized), optimizing performance based on real-time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameters dynamically by rotating the pad to different positions, thereby changing which holes are open and which are closed. This parameter change enables flexible routing of refrigerant flow to either the hot pipe or directly to capillary tubes, allowing optimization between dew prevention and energy consumption based on operating conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a capillary tube with different inner diameters and lengths is provided to respond to varying cooling load, then cooling load requirements are met, but control of refrigerant flow to appropriate capillary tube becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a dynamic pad rotation mechanism to control which capillary tube receives refrigerant flow. By rotating the pad to different angular positions, the system dynamically connects the refrigerant inlet to different outlet holes, thereby directing flow to appropriate capillary tubes with different inner diameters and lengths based on cooling load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path configuration by rotating the pad to different positions, thereby changing which holes are open and which capillary tubes are connected. This parameter change enables flexible routing to different capillary tubes to match varying cooling load requirements without complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device comprises a case comprising an open lower portion and an accommodation space formed therein, a base plate to cover the open lower portion of the case, an inlet pipe connected to the base plate and through which a refrigerant is introduced to the accommodation space, a boss installed to the base plate and comprising a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes through which the introduced refrigerant from the accommodation space is introduced and discharged, a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes respectively connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, and through which the refrigerant is introduced from the boss or discharged to the boss, and a pad comprising an open cavity formed therein to selectively open one refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a connection cavity formed therein to selectively connect two refrigerant inlet and outlet holes.