Stacked-Manifold Three-Way Valve for Oxygen Concentrator Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen concentrators using internal pilot type three-way valves face inefficiencies and complexity in controlling the pressurization and exhaust cycles of adsorption cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A three-way valve with a manifold composed of stacked plate-shaped manifold members, incorporating a control valve and pilot mechanism to switch the valve body positions, allowing for efficient control of gas flow between air supply and exhaust ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an internal pilot type three-way valve is used to control pressurization and exhaust cycles, then the oxygen concentrator can achieve automated control, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components (valve body, diaphragm, pilot valve, manifold)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pilot valve and main valve body into a single integrated structure. The pilot valve is formed as an integral part of the valve body, eliminating separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated control functionality through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main valve structure and the pilot valve housing. The single valve body accomplishes what previously required separate components, reducing part count while achieving both automated control and simplified construction.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional three-way valve structure is used, then the valve can control gas flow between ports, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to complex internal passages and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple separate members (first manifold member, second manifold member, third manifold member) that are stacked and connected. Each manifold member contains specific passages, and they are assembled together to form the complete flow control structure. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual parts and facilitates assembly while maintaining full gas flow control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the three-way valve, then the valve can be assembled with standardized parts, but the overall valve size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve is nested within the valve body structure, with the pilot valve chamber formed inside the main valve body. This nested arrangement allows the pilot valve to be housed within the existing valve volume rather than requiring additional external space, maintaining compact overall dimensions while enabling modular assembly of the nested components.
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 provides efficient and reliable control of gas flow, reducing complexity and enhancing the performance of oxygen concentrators by optimizing the pressurization and exhaust cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body (23, 24) accommodated in the valve chamber (51, 52) and displaceable to a first position at which the first port (71) and the third port (73) communicate with each other or a second position at which the second port (72) and the third port (74) communicate with each other by pilot pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A three-way valve includes a manifold, a valve body, and a switching mechanism. The manifold is provided with a flow path including first, second and third ports, first, second and third passages leading to the first, second and third ports, and a valve chamber that communicates with the first, second, and third passages. The valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber and is displaceable to a first position at which the first port and the third port communicate with each other or a second position at which the second port and the third port communicate with each other. The switching mechanism switches a position of the valve body to the first position or the second position. The manifold is configured by a plurality of manifold members that have a plate shape and are stacked in a plate thickness direction.