Multi-Part Rotary Valve for Independent Coolant Circuit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary valves for temperature control circuits in electromobility are complex and costly, requiring intricate channel structures and multiple valve cores, which complicates their manufacturing and control.

Innovation Solution

A rotary valve with a multi-part valve core design featuring independently operable first and second valve core elements, each with its own channel structure, connected via a drive shaft and one-way clutches, allowing independent rotation and control of multiple temperature control circuits using simple, cost-effective means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single valve core with complex channel structure is used to control multiple temperature control circuits, then the control functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve core is divided into multiple independent valve core elements (first valve core element, second valve core element), each with its own simplified channel structure. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured separately with lower complexity while collectively providing the required control functionality for multiple temperature control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple valve core elements are nested within a single valve core assembly, with each element having its own channel structure that interacts with fluid openings. The nested arrangement allows independent rotation of each element while maintaining a compact overall structure, achieving complex control functionality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple valve cores are nested within the valve housing to control complex temperature circuits, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve core elements are merged into a single integrated valve core assembly rather than using separate nested valve cores. The elements share common fluid openings and housing structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to control multiple temperature control circuits independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each valve core element is designed with multi-functionality, where a single element can control multiple fluid pathways and interact with multiple fluid openings. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving complex control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part valve core design is used with independent rotation capability, then the control flexibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve core elements are designed with dynamic rotation capability around a common drive shaft, allowing each element to be independently positioned to control different fluid pathways. This dynamic configuration enables flexible control of multiple temperature control circuits while using a relatively simple mechanical structure based on rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4325103B1Rotary valve
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 TI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
  • EP4325103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4325103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Rotary valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) with a valve chamber (3), wherein the valve chamber (3) has a chamber wall (4) in which at least two fluid openings (5) are provided, wherein the valve chamber (3) accommodates a valve core (7), wherein the valve core (7) is provided with a channel structure (8) which interacts with the fluid openings (5), wherein the valve core (7) is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber (3) and can be set into rotation via a drive shaft (9), wherein the valve core (7) is formed in multiple parts and has at least a first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), wherein the first valve core element (10) has a first channel structure (8') and the second valve core element (11) has a second channel structure (8"), wherein the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operatively connected to the drive shaft (9).