Rotary Multi-Way Valve Layout for Compact Fluid Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-way valves require multiple units to control complex fluid systems in vehicles, leading to increased installation effort, costs, and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve design with a rotatable valve body and separate connection channels on two planes, allowing for flow-conductive connections to multiple housing openings, enabling control of multiple fluid circuits with a single valve, reducing the need for multiple valves and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional multi-way valves are used to control complex fluid systems, then the control capability is sufficient, but the installation effort, costs, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated multi-way valve body with multiple connection channels (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) that can control multiple fluid circuits simultaneously. This merging of previously separate valve units into one compact device reduces installation space while maintaining full control capability over complex fluid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can control various fluid circuits (cooling, heating, charging) through its multiple connection channels and rotatable valve core. The single valve unit performs the functions of multiple conventional valves, making it adaptable to different fluid system configurations without requiring additional valve units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional multi-way valves are used to control complex fluid systems, then the control capability is sufficient, but the installation effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple valve functions into a single unit with standardized connection channels, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed and configured. This merging simplifies the installation process and reduces labor costs while maintaining the ability to control complex fluid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the multi-way valve allows it to replace multiple specialized valves, reducing installation complexity. The standardized connection channels and rotatable valve core provide a consistent interface for controlling different fluid circuits, making installation more straightforward compared to configuring multiple different valve types.
3Area of stationary object
If a single multi-way valve controls multiple fluid circuits, then the installation space is reduced, but the valve body complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into distinct functional zones with separate connection channels (A-H) and corresponding sealing elements. The rotatable valve core is divided into multiple sealing surfaces that correspond to different connection channels. This segmentation allows the complex valve to be designed and manufactured as modular components that can be assembled systematically, reducing the practical complexity despite the integrated function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a rotatable valve core that operates in the rotational dimension to control flow between multiple connection channels in different spatial planes. This dimensional approach allows a single rotating component to perform the function of multiple linearly-arranged valves, reducing installation space while managing complexity through rotational mechanics rather than complex linear arrangements.
4Device complexity
If conventional multi-way valves are used separately, then the valve structure is simple, but the overall system requires multiple units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple simple valve units into one integrated multi-way valve with multiple connection channels. Instead of using several separate valves each with simple structures, the invention creates a single valve body containing multiple flow paths and sealing zones, reducing the quantity of valve units from multiple to one while maintaining structural simplicity through systematic design.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-way valve having a housing with housing openings for flow-conductive connection to an external flow channel for a fluid, and a valve body arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, for flow-conductive connection of at least two of the housing openings of the housing. A seal arranged between the housing and the valve body. The valve body has a first plane having at least one first connection channel and a second plane, arranged parallel to the first plane, having at least one second connection channel, wherein the connection channels are separate from each other in respect of flow and can each be flow-conductively connected to at least two of the housing openings by a rotation of the valve body to a previously specified rotary position of the valve body.