Two-Actuator Ball Valve Assembly for Heat Pump Refrigerant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve assemblies for refrigerant circuits in vehicles require four identical ball valves and positioning motors, leading to high costs, increased weight, and large installation space, which are disadvantageous for heat pump systems in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a valve assembly using two three-way ball valves with T-shaped and L-shaped holes, allowing bidirectional flow and reducing the need for four positioning motors, thereby enabling various refrigerant circuit functions with reduced complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four identical ball valves and positioning motors are used for refrigerant circuit control, then the system can achieve various operating modes, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body and shared actuators. The valve assembly integrates the functions of multiple ball valves into one unit, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to control different refrigerant flow paths for various operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform the work of multiple separate valves. The single valve assembly with its multiple balls and actuator mechanisms can control refrigerant flow in different directions and modes, making one component perform the functions previously requiring four separate valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If four identical ball valves and positioning motors are used for refrigerant circuit control, then the system can achieve various operating modes, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body and shared actuators. The valve assembly integrates the functions of multiple ball valves into one unit, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to control different refrigerant flow paths for various operating modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four identical ball valves and positioning motors are used for refrigerant circuit control, then the system can achieve various operating modes, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body and shared actuators. The valve assembly integrates the functions of multiple ball valves into one unit, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to control different refrigerant flow paths for various operating modes.
4Ease of operation
If four positioning motors are used to drive four valves, then complete flow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body and shared actuators. The valve assembly integrates the functions of multiple ball valves into one unit, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to control different refrigerant flow paths for various operating modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a refrigerant circuit, having at least two ball valves, which each have a ball as a control element and an actuator for adjusting the associated ball, and also a refrigerant circuit having heat pump functionality for a vehicle having such a valve assembly.