Rotary Valve Member Layout for Compact Angle Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices with contact portions that project from the valve member increase the axial size, making them less compact and potentially larger than necessary, which can hinder efficient fluid flow control and rotational angle limitation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a contact portion within the valve member's space that contacts the limiter, allowing for reduced size without projecting externally, enabling compact design while maintaining rotational angle limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact portions project from the valve member, then rotational angle limitation is achieved, but the axial size of the valve member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion is nested within the valve member's internal space rather than projecting externally. The contact portion is positioned in the space formed by the valve member body, allowing it to engage with the limiter without increasing the overall axial dimension of the valve member.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the contact portion in the axial direction (one dimension), the design utilizes the radial and circumferential dimensions to position the contact portion within the valve member's internal geometry. This dimensional shift allows rotational limitation functionality without axial size increase.
2Reliability
If contact portions project from the valve member, then rotational angle limitation is achieved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the contact portion within the valve member's internal space, the design eliminates external protrusions that would obstruct fluid flow. The contact portion engages with the limiter through internal geometry, maintaining smooth external surfaces that reduce flow resistance.
3Reliability
If contact portions project from the valve member, then rotational angle limitation is achieved, but stress on the contact portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration allows the contact portion to be supported by the surrounding valve member structure during engagement with the limiter. This structural support distributes and reduces the stress concentration on the contact portion compared to thin projecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portion features a curved surface that contacts the limiter, allowing for more uniform stress distribution during rotational engagement. The curved geometry prevents stress concentration at sharp edges or corners.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes a valve housing, a valve member, a limiter, a contact portion and a shaft. The valve housing has an inside space and a plurality of housing-side openings. The housing-side openings communicate between the inside space and an outside of the valve housing. The valve member is rotatably received in the valve housing and has: a plurality of valve-member-side openings, each of which is configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the housing-side openings; and a communication passage, through which the valve-member-side openings is communicated with each other. The limiter is configured to limit rotation of the valve member. The contact portion is provided in a space of the valve member and is configured to contact the limiter. The shaft rotatably supports the valve member.