Rotary Fluid Valve Module for Quiet Multi-Port Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for the systematic regulated distributed delivery of pressurized fluid lack a compact, reliable, and quiet mechanism for precise control of fluid distribution to different portions of a work piece, necessitating improved mechanisms for selective and controlled fluid discharge.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid control valve module comprising a manifold with radially distributed fluid discharge conduits and a rotatable valve body with sloping circumferential walls, facilitated by a drive assembly for precise alignment of fluid paths, allowing selective and sequential discharge of pressurized fluid to different work piece portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional fluid distribution system is used, then fluid can be delivered to multiple portions, but the system becomes large, complex, and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and manifold into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate valve and manifold assemblies. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies the overall system structure, and decreases complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute fluid to multiple portions through the integrated manifold's multiple outlets
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow and as part of the manifold structure for distributing fluid to multiple portions. The single valve body with multiple outlets can selectively deliver fluid to different workpiece portions, providing multi-functionality that reduces system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for fluid control, then reliability may improve, but the number of parts increases and operation becomes noisier
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of valve body and manifold into one component reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and maintained, thereby reducing potential failure points from multiple connections and interfaces while maintaining reliability through the robust integrated design
3Measurement precision
If precise fluid alignment is achieved through complex mechanisms, then fluid delivery precision improves, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug features a spherical ball design that rotates within the valve body to align with different outlet ports. This spherical mechanism provides precise fluid path alignment through simple rotational motion, eliminating the need for complex linear positioning mechanisms and reducing both complexity and noise while maintaining precise control over fluid delivery to different portions
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for select distributed discharge of received fluid in a predetermined manner is generally provided. The assembly includes a manifold and a rotatable valve body. The manifold has an internal chamber, a fluid ingress passage for receipt of fluid, and a plurality of fluid discharge conduits. The fluid ingress passage and fluid discharge conduits are in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A first internal chamber section is characterized by the fluid ingress passage with a second internal chamber section characterized by ingress portions of the fluid discharge conduits. The valve body is adapted to be sealingly seated within the internal chamber so as to fluidly isolate the internal chamber sections, and includes a bore axially extending inwardly from a first end thereof for receipt of fluid from the fluid ingress port of the manifold, and a fluid egress passage in fluid communication with the bore for passage of received fluid to a select fluid discharge conduit of the fluid discharge conduits.