Staggered-Port Control Valve Layout for Compact Multi-Way Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-way control valves in thermal management systems have a large radial size due to communication ports being arranged at the same height, leading to increased fluid flow resistance and cavity size.
Innovation Solution
The control valve design includes communication ports arranged in a staggered manner in the height direction, reducing the number of ports at the same height and optimizing the radial size of the valve cavity, with a valve core assembly that allows for multiple operating positions and flow adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication ports are arranged at the same height along the circumferential direction, then all communication ports can be accommodated, but the radial size of the valve cavity becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circumferential arrangement of communication ports to a three-dimensional staggered arrangement in the height direction. By distributing ports across different heights (first communication port at first height, second communication port at second height, third communication port at third height), the design reduces the radial footprint while maintaining all necessary flow paths.
2Device complexity
If communication ports are arranged at the same height, then the valve structure is simplified, but the flow resistance of fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging communication ports at different heights rather than the same height, the patent creates more direct and shorter flow paths between ports. The staggered vertical arrangement allows fluid to flow more efficiently through the valve cavity, reducing unnecessary path length and minimizing flow resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve cavity radial size is large, then all communication ports can be accommodated, but the torque requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the torque requirement by transitioning to a vertical stacking arrangement of communication ports at different heights. This compact vertical configuration minimizes the radial distance from the rotation axis to the ports, thereby reducing the moment arm and the torque needed to rotate the valve core to desired positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve includes a valve body assembly at least partially located in a valve cavity and a valve core assembly having communication ports including a first communication port, a second communication port, a third communication port, a fourth communication port and a fifth communication port. The valve core assembly has a first conducting portion and a second conducting portion. In a first work position of the valve core assembly, the second conducting portion is communicated with the first communication port and the fourth communication port, and the first conducting portion is communicated with the second communication port and the third communication port; in a second work position of the valve core assembly, the second conducting portion is communicated with the first communication port and the fifth communication port and the first conducting portion is communicated with the second communication port and the third communication port.