Stacked Multi-Way Valve Assembly with Pluggable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve units with multi-way valves arranged in a row face challenges in achieving high flow rates due to narrow valve designs, which restricts the flow of pressure medium and makes external connections difficult to access, especially as the unit length increases with the number of valves.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a pluggable adapter element between adjacent multi-way valves with larger cross-section connections allows for increased flow rates without altering the overall unit design, enabling the use of standard valves for larger flow applications and facilitating easy retrofitting and assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple valves are arranged in a row to form a compact valve unit, then the overall structure becomes space-saving and easy to install, but the overall length increases directly with the number of valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve unit with a common feed pressure channel that serves all valves. This merging approach reduces the overall footprint area while maintaining the necessary valve functions, resolving the contradiction between compactness and length by consolidating shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The common feed pressure channel serves multiple valves simultaneously, providing a universal supply path that reduces the need for separate feeding mechanisms for each valve. This multi-functionality approach minimizes the overall structural footprint while supporting multiple valve operations.
2Length of moving object
If individual valves are made extremely narrow to minimize the overall length of the valve unit, then the length is reduced, but the flow value of pressure medium through the valves decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow paths of multiple valves through a common feed pressure channel and allows for flow combination using adapter elements. This merging of flow paths enables the system to achieve high total flow rates even when individual valves are compact, resolving the contradiction between narrow valve design and flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering flow capacity in a single dimension (individual valve width) to utilizing multiple dimensions by combining flows from multiple valves through the common feed pressure channel. This dimensional approach allows compact individual valves to collectively provide high flow rates.
3Length of moving object
If individual valves are made extremely narrow to minimize length, then the length is reduced, but the accessibility of external connections for working lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions and connections into a single integrated unit with a common feed pressure channel. This consolidation improves accessibility by providing centralized connection points that are easier to reach compared to distributed connections on multiple narrow valves, while maintaining compact dimensions.
4Quantity of substance
If standard valves are used for larger flow applications, then the flow rate increases, but the valves cannot be integrated into the slot in the valve unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adapter elements that combine the flows of adjacent multi-way valves and provide plug-in connections for larger cross-sections. This merging capability allows standard valves to be integrated into the compact valve unit slot while achieving high flow rates through flow combination, resolving the contradiction between flow capacity and integration feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between standard valves and the compact valve unit slot. It provides the necessary flow combination and connection adaptation, enabling standard valves to be integrated into the standardized slot design while maintaining high flow capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The unit has working connectors (6a, 6b) arranged at a front side (5) of each manifold valve (1a-1h) for detachable connection of an operating pressure line. The working connectors of the two valves (1a, 1b) are provided with an adapter element (8) insertable in the valves. A plug connector corresponding to the working connectors is arranged relative to large cross-section of the adapter element to bring together the neighboring valves (1a, 1b). The adapter element has a single-piece housing, which is formed as a plastic injection-molding part.