Rotary Multi-Port Control Valve for Compact Flow Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valve systems require multiple valves to manage fluid flow across multiple paths, which can be cumbersome and inefficient in terms of space and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a valve body with a side wall part and a valve core that includes an inner communication cavity, multiple outer communication cavities, a first partition with a communication hole, and a second partition, allowing for the rotation-driven opening and closing of valve ports across multiple flow channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple control valves are used to manage multiple flow paths, then each valve can be simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but the overall device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control valve functions into a single integrated control valve body that manages multiple flow paths (first flow channel, second flow channel, third flow channel, fourth flow channel) simultaneously. The valve core with its complex internal cavity structure integrates the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed with multi-functionality to control four different flow paths through a single device. The valve core's inner communication cavity and multiple outer communication cavities enable it to regulate fluid flow across multiple channels simultaneously, making one valve perform the work of multiple valves
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple control valves are used to manage multiple flow paths, then each valve can be simple in structure, but the space occupied by the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control valve functions are merged into a single compact valve body, integrating what would traditionally be separate spatially distributed valves into one unified component, thereby reducing the overall space occupation of the system
Solution Approach 2:
The valve core features nested communication cavities where inner communication cavities are surrounded by outer communication cavities. This nested structure allows multiple flow paths to be accommodated within a compact volume, reducing the space required for the control valve while maintaining the ability to manage multiple flow channels
3Volume of stationary object
If a single control valve is designed to manage multiple flow paths, then space occupation decreases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested communication cavity structure is designed with clear hierarchical relationships between inner and outer cavities, allowing for systematic manufacturing approaches. The nested geometry provides natural reference surfaces and features that can guide the manufacturing process, helping to maintain precision across the complex multi-cavity structure
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve includes a valve body and a valve core; the valve body comprises a side wall part; the control valve has a valve cavity, the control valve comprises at least five channels, one end of each channel is in communication with the valve cavity, and the other end forms a valve port of the control valve; the valve core includes an internal guide passage cavity, a plurality of external guide passage cavities, a first separation plate, and a second separation plate; the first separation plate is located between the internal guide passage cavity and an external guide passage cavity, and the second separation plate is located between two adjacent external guide passage cavities; the first separation plate has a communication hole, and the internal guide passage cavity is in communication with a portion of the external guide passage cavities by means of the communication hole.