Stepper Motor Selector Valve for Low-Noise Refrigerant Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems in refrigerators with variable temperature sections suffer from complex assembly structures, significant noise, increased action frequency, and vulnerability to interferences due to the use of bistable solenoid valves, leading to suboptimal performance and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A motor-operated selector valve with a stepper motor-driven slider and magnetic rotor component, which allows for rotary displacement and communication between a normal open inlet and three outlets through flow-guiding orifices, reducing noise and energy consumption while maintaining system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel connected assembly of bistable solenoid valves is used to control multiple temperature sections, then the refrigeration system can achieve multiple operational modes, but the assembly becomes complicated and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solenoid valves into a single integrated selector valve with a common inlet and multiple outlets. The valve body integrates the functions of what would otherwise require separate valves, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to control multiple temperature sections and refrigeration modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve is designed as a multi-functional component that can direct refrigerant flow to different evaporators (freezer, refrigerator, variable temperature) through a single valve body. This universal design allows one valve to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate valves.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bistable solenoid valves are used for controlling refrigerant flow, then the valve can maintain stable positions, but significant action noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional solenoid valve mechanical opening/closing mechanism with a selector valve design that uses solenoids to rotate a common valve body to predetermined angular positions. This rotational mechanism reduces mechanical impact and noise compared to the linear motion of traditional solenoid valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve incorporates a damping mechanism that allows the valve body to rotate smoothly to its predetermined positions and maintain stability there. The damping reduces oscillations and noise during position transitions while maintaining stable operation at each position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two solenoid valves are employed to achieve multiple refrigeration modes, then the system functionality is improved, but the action frequency increases and noise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple solenoid valve functions into a single selector valve with multiple outlets, the patent reduces the total number of actuation events required. One valve body with multiple solenoids can achieve the same functional versatility as multiple separate valves, thereby reducing overall action frequency.
4Ease of operation
If bistable solenoid valves driven by half-wave pulse are used, then the valve can be controlled, but it becomes vulnerable to interferences requiring periodic sustain pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The selector valve incorporates position detection mechanisms (such as limit switches or sensors) that detect when the valve body reaches its predetermined angular positions. This feedback ensures accurate positioning and maintains reliable operation without requiring periodic sustain pulses, as the system can confirm proper valve positioning.
5Volume of stationary object
If a compact valve design is implemented, then the system occupies less space, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The selector valve design nests multiple functional elements within a compact valve body. The common inlet, multiple outlets, rotating valve body, and solenoid actuators are integrated in a nested arrangement that minimizes overall volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
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 motor-operated selector valve significantly reduces noise levels, enhances system stability, and minimizes energy consumption by eliminating the need for periodic pulse corrections, resulting in a more compact and efficient refrigeration system with improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil component for providing said driving force, wherein the coil component together with the magnetic rotor component constitutes a stepper motor that controls the rotary displacement of the slider among four positions
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic rotor component which is disposed within the valve chamber and rotatablely displaced under a driving force
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-operated selector valve relating to refrigerating technology is provided. There are disadvantages, such as complicated assembly structure, big noise, vulnerability to interferences etc., in prior art. In the present invention, a slider (35) is controlled by a stepper motor (32) so as to be rotatablely displaced among four positions on a flat bottom surface of a valve seat. Three outlets (39a,39b,39c) on the flat bottom surface (36) are communicated with a normal open inlet (40) in the valve seat via flow-guiding orifices in the slider respectively. In the first working position, the first outlet and the third outlet are in communication with the normal open inlet at the same time; in the second working position, the second outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet; in the third working position, the third outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet; in the fourth working position, the first outlet is in communication with the normal open inlet. The technical solution employs the driving means of rotary displacement, thereby the action noise can be less than 30dB (A) at a distance of 30cm; and power supply can be cut off after the switch among the working states, as a stable working state can be ensured through the self-maintaining function of magnetic poles and the magnetic rotor of the stepper motor, as a result, energy consumption of the valve itself is reduced.