Rotary Two-Way Valve Geometry for Linear Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-way valves for flow rate control lack the accuracy in linearly controlling fluid flow rates, particularly when a communication hole is simply formed in the valve element to open a flow passage.
Innovation Solution
A two-way valve design featuring a valve main body with a columnar space, a first valve port for fluid inflow, and a second valve port with a rectangular cross-section, along with a rotatable valve element that linearly changes the opening area of the second valve port, driven by a drive mechanism, enhancing flow rate control accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a communication hole is simply formed in the valve element to open a flow passage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow rate control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is divided into multiple functional portions: a communication hole for basic flow passage opening, and multiple protrusions that selectively block specific outflow portions. This segmentation allows independent control of different flow paths, enabling linear flow rate adjustment while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is designed to rotate dynamically around the communication hole, changing the alignment between protrusions and outflow portions continuously. This dynamic rotation enables progressive control of flow rate from fully closed to fully open positions, achieving linear control characteristics without complex mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If the valve element is designed with multiple protrusions and communication holes, then the flow rate control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element serves multiple functions simultaneously: the communication hole provides the primary flow passage, while protrusions act as adjustable flow restrictors. The same rotating motion controls both the opening of the communication hole and the positioning of protrusions relative to outflow portions, achieving flow rate control through a single degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element's own rotation automatically achieves precise flow rate control without requiring external positioning mechanisms. The geometric relationship between the rotating valve element, fixed outflow portions, and communication hole creates inherent linear control characteristics through the changing overlap areas, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a two-way valve for flow rate control and a temperature control device using the same, which can linearly control a flow rate of a fluid with good accuracy as compared to a switching valve in which a communication hole is simply formed in a valve element so as to open a flow passage through alignment with an outflow portion. The two-way valve for flow rate control, includes: a valve main body (6), which includes a valve seat (8) having a columnar space, and has a first valve port (9) formed in one end portion of the valve main body in an axial direction of the valve seat (8) so as to allow flow of a fluid, and a second valve port (11) that is formed in a peripheral wall of the valve seat (8) to allow flow of the fluid and has a rectangular cross section; a valve element (12), which is arranged in a freely rotatable manner in the valve seat (8) of the valve main body (6), and has a shape forming a part of a cylindrical shape having a predetermined central angle (α) so as to linearly change an opening area of the second valve port (11); and drive means (3) configured to rotate and drive the valve element (12).