Rotary Valve Device with Rectangular Windows for Compact Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary type valve devices for fluid passage control in automotive cooling systems face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining effective operation, as they require larger dimensions and actuators due to the multi-stage structure and restricted rotational angles, which complicates mounting in engine rooms.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a cylindrical valve member and actuator, featuring rectangular-shaped valve windows and port openings that allow for increased opening area with smaller rotational angles, enabling efficient control of multiple fluid passages with a simpler structure and reduced dimensions in both axial and radial directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve portions are arranged in the axial direction of the valve member to provide a multi-stage valve structure, then the valve device can control multiple fluid passages, but the outer shape of the valve device becomes larger and the actuator size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging valve portions in the axial direction to arranging them in the radial direction of the valve member. This dimensional change allows multiple valve portions to be positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, enabling control of multiple fluid passages without increasing the axial length of the valve device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where valve portions are positioned at different radial levels, with inner valve portions closer to the rotation axis and outer valve portions farther away. This nesting approach allows multiple valve functions to be compactly arranged within the radial space, reducing the overall axial dimension while maintaining multi-passage control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve member is made longer in the axial direction to accommodate multiple valve portions, then multi-stage valve structure is achieved, but the actuator must be larger to rotate the enlarged valve member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes the mass distribution of the valve member by arranging valve portions radially rather than axially. This reduces the axial length and corresponding moment of inertia, allowing a smaller, lighter actuator to achieve the required rotational control while maintaining multi-stage functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the effective rotational angle is restricted in each valve portion to complete multi-stage control within one rotation, then control precision is improved, but the fluid port size must be enlarged to maintain flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension to provide additional space for fluid ports and valve members. By arranging valve portions at different radial distances, the design can accommodate adequately sized fluid ports without requiring excessive rotational angles, thus maintaining both control precision and flow rate requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If a larger fluid port is formed in each valve portion to compensate for restricted rotational angle, then the desired flow rate is achieved, but the valve member and valve housing become larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for restricted rotational angles by utilizing the radial dimension to enlarge fluid port areas. The radial arrangement allows for larger port cross-sections without increasing the axial or radial outer dimensions of the housing, thereby maintaining compact overall size while achieving desired flow rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A first valve portion and a second valve portion are formed in a rotary valve, wherein the first and the second valve portions are arranged in an axial direction thereof. The first valve portion includes a first and a second valve windows formed in a valve member, and a first and a second valve port openings formed in a valve housing. The second valve portion includes a third valve window formed in the valve member and a third valve port opening formed in the valve housing. The valve member is rotatable in both directions of a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction, so that each of the first to the third valve port openings is respectively opened or closed by the first to third valve windows. Each of the valve windows and the valve port openings of the first valve portion is formed in a rectangular shape in its developed figure in a rotational direction of the valve member.