Multi-Way Selector Valve with Planetary Gear for Smooth Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow path switching actuators for refrigerating cycles, such as those using motors with rotors and solenoids, suffer from low torque, inability to smoothly operate under large pressure differences, and increased noise, leading to valve body and seat abrasion, and occupy excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way selector valve with a planetary gear type speed reduction mechanism between the rotor and valve body, combined with a stepping motor and optimized valve design to cancel the force exerted by high-pressure refrigerants, allowing smooth and precise flow path switching with reduced noise and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor with rotor and stator is used for flow path switching, then the valve body can be rotated, but the torque is insufficient and the actuator occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
A planetary gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and valve body. The motor drives the planetary gear mechanism, which multiplies the torque before transmitting it to the valve body. This allows a compact motor to generate sufficient torque for valve operation without increasing overall actuator space.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional direct-drive motor system is replaced with a motor-planetary gear mechanism system. The planetary gear mechanism provides mechanical advantage, enabling the same motor to produce higher torque output, thereby resolving the contradiction between limited motor size and required switching torque.
2Reliability
If high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the valve chamber, then the valve body is pushed to the valve seat section, but the flow path switching operation becomes heavy and abrasion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A counterbalancing mechanism is designed to offset the force exerted by high-pressure refrigerant on the valve body. The counterbalancing force acts in the opposite direction to the refrigerant pressure force, reducing the net force that the actuator must overcome during valve switching, thereby easing operation and reducing abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates features that cushion the impact and reduce the effect of high-pressure refrigerant force before it fully acts on the valve body during switching. This prior cushioning reduces the sudden force spikes that cause heavy operation and wear.
3Device complexity
If the valve body is directly rotated by the motor, then the structure is simple, but the flow path switching speed cannot be finely adjusted and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism serves as an intermediary that provides fine adjustment capability for valve switching speed. By varying the motor rotation speed, the planetary gear mechanism translates these variations into precise, fine-adjusted rotation speeds of the valve body, enabling controlled flow path switching with reduced noise.
4Ease of operation
If a solenoid and plunger actuator is used, then the valve body can be pulled to rotate, but the occupation space becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid-plunger actuation system is replaced with a motor-planetary gear mechanism system. The motor provides continuous rotational force, and the planetary gear mechanism converts this rotation into the required valve body movement, achieving compact actuator design while maintaining ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables compact, high-torque, and precise flow path switching with reduced noise and increased durability, effectively managing large pressure differences and minimizing refrigerant flow variations.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear type speed reduction mechanism between the rotor and the valve body
Implementation Method 2
The flow path switching actuator is a stepping motor including a rotor placed on the inner peripheral side of a can and a stator placed on an outer periphery of the can
Implementation Method 3
the high-pressure fluid pushes the valve body to the valve seat section
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To provide a multi-way selector valve properly used for a vehicle, with a smooth flow path switching operation even in case of a large pressure difference between the inside and outside of a valve body, a reduced refrigerant passing noise at a time of switching a flow path, and an easy flow path switching operation, the multi-way selector valve includes a valve body 50 rotated by a flow path switching actuator 15, and a valve main body 60 rotatably holding the valve body 50, the flow path switching actuator is a stepping motor 15 including a rotor 16 placed on the inner peripheral side of a can 38 and a stator 17 placed on an outer periphery of the can 38, and a planetary gear type speed reduction mechanism 40 is inserted between the rotor 16 of the stepping motor 15 and the valve body 50.