Pressure-Balanced Selector Valve for Fast Solenoid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching valves in refrigeration and heating cycles face challenges with delayed valve opening/closing speeds, increased part count and manufacturing costs due to high service pressures and complex fluid passage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve design with a valve chamber, first and second valve seats, fluid passages, a valve body that lifts between the seats, a rod portion with a guide bore, and a solenoid-actuated rod, where the first pressure-receiving area of the valve body is balanced with the pressure-receiving area of the rod portion, allowing for efficient opening/closing independent of operating fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the valve body is actuated by operating fluid pressure in conventional designs, then the valve can switch fluid flow, but the valve opening/closing speed is delayed and operational response is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the valve body actuation from dependence on operating fluid pressure by providing a separate actuation mechanism. The valve body is actuated independently through a piston connected to a solenoid or spring mechanism, separating the fluid switching function from the valve actuation function. This allows the valve to open/close rapidly without being delayed by fluid pressure buildup or release.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a piston as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation force (solenoid/spring) and the valve body. The piston translates the actuation force into valve body movement, providing controlled and rapid opening/closing action independent of the operating fluid pressure on the valve seats.
2Reliability
If multiple fluid passages and valve portions are added to achieve reliable switching at high pressure, then the valve can handle high service pressures, but the part count increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the valve into distinct functional components: a valve body for fluid switching, a piston for actuation, and separate sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated complex designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified valve body design that can be replicated or adapted for different applications. The core valve body structure remains relatively simple while the actuation mechanism can be varied, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and customization.
3Reliability
If complex fluid passages are designed to control multiple valve portions, then the valve can achieve reliable opening/closing, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex fluid passage control functions and replaces them with a mechanical actuation system. The piston and connecting rods provide direct mechanical control of the valve body, eliminating the need for complex pilot passages and pressure control channels that would require high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex fluid-based control mechanisms with a direct mechanical actuation system. The solenoid or spring directly drives the piston, which mechanically moves the valve body, substituting for complex hydraulic or pneumatic control passages that would be difficult and expensive to manufacture with high precision.
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
This design enhances valve opening/closing response, reduces part count and manufacturing costs, and allows for flexible fluid passage design, enabling efficient operation with both large and small fluid volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid portion (20) actuating a solenoid rod (26)
Implementation Method 2
a first spring means (42) resiliently urging the valve body (10) to lift from the first valve seat (3)
Implementation Method 3
a first pressure-receiving area, which is defined by a surface inside the periphery of contact of the first valve seat and the valve body and receives pressure of the operating fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A selector valve, comprising a valve chamber having a first valve seat and a second valve seat facing the first valve seat, a first fluid passage communicating with a first valve port on the periphery of the first valve seat of the valve chamber to flow a first working fluid therein, a second fluid passage communicating with the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom or therein, a third fluid passage communicating with a second valve port on the periphery of the second valve seat of the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom, a valve element disposed in the valve chamber and alternately separating from and coming into contact with the first valve seat and the second valve seat, a stem part connected to the valve element, a guide hole movably guiding the valve stem, a storage chamber for a seal means installed around the guide hole, an auxiliary passage allowing the storage chamber to communicate with the first fluid passage, and a solenoid part connected to the stem part for operating a solenoid rod. A first pressure receiving area formed by the first valve seat and the valve element joined to each other to receive the pressure of the first working fluid is set approximately the same as the third pressure receiving area of the stem part receiving the first working fluid in the storage chamber.