Rotary Valve Buffer Port Structure for Lower Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary valves face challenges in controlling fluid flow between ports due to increased flow path resistance, particularly when flow paths are connected at angles close to a tangent line, which complicates the radial posture of flow paths and increases resistance at the boundary between ports and the valve rotor.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve configuration featuring a valve chamber with at least three ports and external flow paths, where a valve rotor is rotatable to switch fluid flow between ports, and a first buffer portion is formed between the first port and the external flow path, covering the entire first port with a larger circumferential width than the valve flow path, allowing fluid flow between ports without reducing the flow path area and minimizing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flow paths are connected to the valve housing at an angle close to a tangent line to simplify device structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but flow path resistance at the boundary between ports and valve rotor increases
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer portion is introduced as an intermediary space between the port and the external flow path. This buffer portion mediates the connection, allowing the external flow path to be connected at a simplified angle while the buffer portion ensures smooth fluid transition, thereby preventing increased flow path resistance despite the non-radial connection angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening area of ports facing the valve rotor is reduced to enable switching between multiple ports, then adaptability is improved, but flow path resistance increases and fluid flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer portion extends in the radial direction from the port, creating an additional dimensional space that compensates for the reduced opening area of the port. This extra space allows sufficient fluid passage area to be maintained even when the port opening itself is reduced for multi-port switching capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ports are arranged radially to minimize flow path resistance, then flow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer portion serves as a mediator that decouples the port arrangement from the external flow path connection. This allows ports to be arranged in a non-radial configuration (simplifying device structure and meeting space requirements) while the buffer portion ensures radial-like smooth flow transition, maintaining low flow path resistance without requiring complex radial arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary valve includes: a valve chamber in which at least three ports including at least a first port, a second port, and a third port are disposed in a circumferential direction; at least three external flow paths communicating with the three ports, respectively; and a valve rotor accommodated in the valve chamber so as to be rotatable and configured to switch a flow of a fluid between the ports by a rotation operation. The first port extends in the circumferential direction of a wall portion of the valve chamber. A first buffer portion is formed between the first port and the external flow path corresponding to the first port. The first buffer portion covers the entire first port and serves as a space having a circumferential width larger than a circumferential width of a valve flow path.