Stepper-Motor Selector Valve for Quiet Multi-Evaporator Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems in refrigerators with variable temperature sections suffer from complex assembly structures, significant noise, 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 rotary displacement mechanism, featuring a valve chamber with a normal open inlet and three outlets, which reduces noise and energy consumption by eliminating the need for multiple solenoid valves, and a refrigeration cycle device that optimizes the refrigeration system by controlling the communication between evaporators and capillary tubes.
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 structure becomes complicated and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solenoid valves into a single integrated selector valve assembly. The selector valve has a valve body with multiple ports and an internal movable component that can be positioned to connect different ports, replacing the need for separate parallel-connected solenoid valves. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple refrigeration operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve is designed as a multi-functional component that can direct refrigerant flow to different evaporators (freezer and refrigerator sections) and can operate in multiple modes (single circuit, dual circuit, series, parallel). This universal design allows one valve assembly to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bistable solenoid valves are used for temperature section control, then the system can switch between different refrigeration modes, but significant action noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional solenoid valve actuation mechanism with a selector valve mechanism driven by a small motor or electromagnetic actuator. The motor-driven selector valve operates more quietly than the rapid electromagnetic switching of solenoid valves, reducing action noise while maintaining the ability to control different temperature sections and refrigeration modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two solenoid valves are employed to achieve multiple refrigeration modes, then the system functionality is enhanced, but the action frequency increases and noise becomes a key quality factor
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single selector valve with an integrated actuator, the patent reduces the total number of actuation events required. The selector valve can switch between multiple modes using one coordinated actuation mechanism, thereby reducing the cumulative action frequency compared to multiple independent solenoid valves that would each require separate actuation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If bistable solenoid valves driven by half-wave pulse are used, then the valve can maintain stable positions, but the system becomes vulnerable to interferences and requires additional sustain pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pulse-driven solenoid valve control system with a motor-driven selector valve system. The motor can be controlled by steady-state signals rather than continuous pulses, making the system less vulnerable to electrical interferences. The mechanical positioning mechanism maintains stable valve positions without requiring periodic sustain pulses, improving reliability while preserving position stability.
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 significantly reduces noise levels, enhances the stability and efficiency of the refrigeration system, and reduces energy consumption, making it more suitable for refrigerators with variable temperature sections while improving the overall quality and cost-effectiveness.
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
Implementation Method 2
the coil component together with the magnetic rotor component constitutes a stepper motor that controls the rotary displacement of the slider among four positions
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-operated selector valve relating to refrigerating technology is provided. In the present invention, a slider is controlled by a stepper motor so as to be rotatablely displaced among four positions on a flat bottom surface of a valve seat. Three outlets on the flat bottom surface are communicated with a normal open inlet 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.