Rotatable Spool Distribution Valve for Multi-Branch Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion valves in refrigeration systems, particularly needle valves, often require multiple valves to control flow rates in branched fluid paths, leading to complexity and inefficiency in flow distribution control.
Innovation Solution
A distribution valve design featuring a rotatable spool with spheroidal segments and an intermediate member, allowing for adjustable opening of valve ports to control fluid flow distribution between two branches via a single valve, enabling precise flow ratio adjustment through angular position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion valves are used to control flow rates in branched fluid paths, then each flow path can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expansion valve functions into a single distribution valve with a rotatable spool mechanism. The spool has multiple positions that can be rotated to different angles, allowing one valve to control flow distribution to multiple branches simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate valves
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution valve is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple flow paths through a single device. The rotatable spool can be positioned at different angles to distribute refrigerant to different branches, making the single valve capable of performing the function of multiple valves while adding adaptability
2Productivity
If traditional expansion valves are used in branched paths, then flow control is possible, but the precision of flow ratio adjustment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the valve port openings. By rotating the spool to different angular positions, the degree of opening of the first and second valve ports can be precisely controlled, enabling accurate flow ratio adjustment between branches
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed valve positions to rotatable angular positions. The spool can be rotated to different angles, and this angular parameter directly controls the degree of opening of the valve ports, providing precise and adjustable flow distribution
3Device complexity
If a single distribution valve is used to control multiple branches, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving sealed sliding contact becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed with spheroidal segments instead of traditional cylindrical or flat surfaces. The intermediate member has corresponding spheroidal segments that mate with the spool, creating a curved sliding contact surface. This spherical geometry naturally guides the sliding motion and maintains consistent contact, achieving reliable sealing while allowing rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution valve comprises: a housing, and a spool in the housing, the spool mounted in a valve chamber so as to be rotatable along an axial axis, and the spool comprising a sidewall comprising a first spheroidal segment and a second spheroidal segment, a spool first port in the first spheroidal segment, and a spool second port in the second spheroidal segment; and an intermediate member mounted between the housing and the spool and fixed relative to the housing and in sliding contact with the sidewall of the spool in a sealed manner, wherein a first valve port is defined when the spool first port and an intermediate first port overlap, and a second valve port is defined when the spool second port and an intermediate second port overlap, wherein a degree of opening of the valve ports changes as the spool rotates relative to the housing.