Three-Way Valve with Perpendicular Outlets and Rotating Obturator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-way valve systems for fluid circuits with an inlet and two outlet channels require multiple individual valves, increasing cost, installation space, and complexity, as they typically need at least two valves with a bifurcation pipe, making them cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A novel three-way valve structure with a single valve incorporating the bifurcation pipe, featuring an obturator element with a cylindrical shape and longitudinal channel, allowing four functional positions by a quarter-circle turn of the key, and exterior signage for easy visualization, reducing space and cost requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual valves with bifurcation pipe are used, then fluid control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual valves and the bifurcation pipe into a single integrated three-way valve body. The valve body contains an inlet channel and two outlet channels arranged perpendicular to each other, with a rotatable obturator element that can simultaneously control both outlet channels. This integration eliminates the need for separate valves and bifurcation pipes, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining full fluid control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single three-way valve body performs multiple functions that previously required separate components. The rotatable obturator element can selectively open/close different combinations of outlet channels (both open, one open one closed, both closed), providing versatile fluid control in a single device. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive fluid control without increasing installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual valves are used, then fluid control is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple valves and bifurcation pipe into one integrated three-way valve, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, stocked, and installed. This merging strategy directly lowers installation cost while preserving complete fluid control capability through the multi-position obturator mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If a single valve with integrated bifurcation is used, then installation space is reduced, but operational complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator element is designed with a cylindrical shape that rotates within the valve body. This rotational mechanism provides a simple, intuitive operation where a quarter-circle turn (90 degrees) transitions between functional positions. The curved rotational path is easier to operate than complex multi-valve coordination, resolving the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving compact installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable obturator element introduces dynamic control to the compact valve structure. By rotating the obturator 90 degrees, the user dynamically changes the flow path configuration between different outlet channels. This dynamic mechanism enables space-efficient design without sacrificing operational simplicity, as the rotation provides clear, distinct positional states.
4Speed
If quarter-circle turn mechanism is used, then position change speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator element and valve body incorporate asymmetric features including keyways, positioning protrusions, and sealing surfaces that are precisely machined at specific angular positions. These asymmetric elements ensure that the quarter-circle rotation settles into exact positional states (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), enabling fast position changes while maintaining the manufacturing precision needed for reliable sealing and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved three-way valve structure consisting of a main three-way valve body (1) with inlet (2) and outlet channels (3, 4) that communicate internally by means of an inner obturator element (5) actuated by a key (27), characterized by the relative position of the outlet channels which are perpendicularly arranged in relation to each other and in the same plane perpendicular to the inlet channel, the exterior form of the obturator (5) being a surrounding cylindrical shape and provided with, in the upper part thereof, flanges (9) for the seating of the same and sealing joints (12, 13), ending in a projecting rod (15) with a key seat shape that can fit into the key (27) of the valve. The key enables four functional positions by means of a quarter-circle turn: both outlets open, one outlet open and another closed and both outlets closed.