Three-way valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing three-way valves suffer from reduced durability due to increased wear of the O-ring and valve element caused by frequent bypass operations during overpressure conditions, which affects the valve's operational efficiency and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A three-way valve design featuring independently operable first and second valve members, where the second valve member is used for bypassing heating water to the hot water heat exchanger when pressure exceeds a set threshold, reducing the operational load on the first valve member and minimizing wear on the packing and O-ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a bypass unit is added to allow heating water to bypass to the hot water heat exchanger during overpressure, then the overpressure problem is solved, but the valve element operation frequency increases causing increased wear and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the valve into two independent valve elements: a first valve element (240) controlled by a drive unit for normal heating water flow control, and a second valve element (220) that automatically opens during overpressure conditions. This segmentation allows the bypass function to operate independently without increasing the operation frequency of the first valve element, thus solving the overpressure problem while maintaining valve durability.
2Device complexity
If the valve element vertically moves for both bypass operations and normal operations, then both functions are achieved through one component, but the number of operations increases causing increased O-ring wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the valve into two independent valve elements with distinct functions. The first valve element (240) handles normal heating operations, while the second valve element (220) handles bypass operations during overpressure. This segmentation ensures that each valve element operates independently, preventing the operation frequency of the first valve element from increasing due to bypass operations, thereby reducing O-ring wear and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve element (220) is designed to automatically open during overpressure conditions without requiring control from the drive unit. This self-service mechanism allows the bypass function to activate automatically when needed, reducing the operational burden on the first valve element and minimizing wear on sealing 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
This design enhances the durability of the three-way valve by reducing the number of operations for the first valve member, preventing wear on the packing and O-ring, and ensuring stable operation with reduced leakage and improved lubrication due to the use of acetal resin for the second valve member.
Implementation Method 1
the valve shaft (310) and the first valve member (240) are pushed toward the drive unit (400) by an elastic force of a first spring (340)
Implementation Method 2
when a pressure of heating water of a side of the first outlet (112) is higher than a set pressure in a state in which the first valve member (240) opens a side of the first outlet (112) and closes a side of the second outlet (113), open a bypass hole (212a) to allow the heating water to flow toward the second outlet (113)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a three-way valve including a valve member for supplying heating water and a valve member for performing a bypass function and configured to independently operate the valve members to provide improved durability. To this end, the three-way valve includes a valve housing in which an inlet through which heating water is introduced, a first outlet configured to supply the heating water introduced through the inlet to a heating target area, and a second outlet configured to supply the heating water introduced through the inlet to a hot water heat exchanger are integrally formed; a first valve member configured to be opened or closed so as to selectively open any one of the first outlet and the second outlet; a drive unit configured to provide a driving force to open or close the first valve member; and a second valve member configured to, when a pressure of heating water of a side of the first outlet is higher than a set pressure in a state in which the first valve member opens a side of the first outlet and closes a side of the second outlet, open a bypass hole to allow the heating water to flow toward the second outlet and be operated independently from the first valve member.