Rotary Multi-Way Valve Grooves for Compact Thermal Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of multi-way valves in temperature control systems, particularly in energy storage and automotive applications, hinder efficient space arrangement due to their need for multiple independent flow channels and openings, leading to increased system size.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-way valve design featuring a cylindrical valve core with axial and circumferential grooves and a valve seat with arrayed openings, allowing for communication through grooves and controlled rotation by an actuator to adjust flow paths, enabling miniaturization and flexibility in flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way valve is provided with multiple mutually independent flow channels and openings to implement different heat exchange modes, then the valve can achieve diverse flow distribution functions, but the size of the multi-way valve increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow channels into a single integrated valve body structure. The valve core integrates multiple flow paths that can be independently controlled through rotational positioning, merging what would traditionally require separate valves into one compact unit. This reduces the overall volume while maintaining the ability to implement different heat exchange modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rotational valve core mechanism that controls flow distribution in the circumferential direction. By rotating the valve core to different angular positions, different flow channels are connected or disconnected, enabling multiple heat exchange modes without increasing the axial or radial dimensions significantly. This dimensional approach allows functional complexity without volumetric growth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent flow channels are provided in the multi-way valve, then different heat exchange modes can be implemented, but the space arrangement of the temperature control system is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow channel functions into a single valve body with a rotational core. The valve seat integrates multiple openings that align with different liquid flow paths, combining what would be separate valuation components into one unit. This consolidation reduces the spatial footprint required for the temperature control system while maintaining the capability to implement various heat exchange modes through rotational positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If the valve core and valve seat are designed with grooves and openings for flow communication, then compact structure is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric groove patterns on the valve core and corresponding asymmetric opening arrangements on the valve seat. The grooves are positioned at specific angular intervals that create unique alignment configurations for different flow modes. This asymmetric design, while requiring precision, allows for compact dimensions by optimizing the spatial arrangement of flow paths rather than using symmetric, space-consuming configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve core is segmented into multiple grooves that can independently control different flow paths. Each groove corresponds to specific openings on the valve seat, creating modular flow control segments. This segmentation allows the compact valve to manage multiple flow channels through precise rotational positioning, where each angular position aligns specific groove-opening pairs to enable different heat exchange modes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a compact structure that facilitates miniaturization and efficient temperature control in energy storage and automotive systems, enhancing space arrangement and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to drive the valve core to rotate around a rotation axis of the valve core in an inner hole of the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
Each opening communicates with another adjacent opening through one axial groove or one circumferential groove
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-way valve includes a valve core and a valve seat. The valve seat is sleeved on the valve core. An outer circumferential surface of the valve core is in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the valve seat. The outer circumferential surface of the valve core includes a plurality of axial grooves and a plurality of circumferential grooves. The inner circumferential surface of the valve seat includes a plurality of openings. Each opening is connected to one liquid flow path through an internal channel of the valve seat. The plurality of openings is arranged in an array and at intervals along a direction of a rotation axis of the valve core and a circumferential direction of the valve core. Each opening communicates with at least one other adjacent opening through one axial groove or one circumferential groove.