Two-Stage Rotor Valve Assembly for Multi-Mode Coolant Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-valve assemblies for thermal management systems in electric and hybrid vehicles are costly and pose packaging challenges due to the need for multiple valves to control coolant ports for different air-conditioning modes.
Innovation Solution
A single-valve assembly with a rotatable rotor stacked in two stages, featuring multiple ports and channels that selectively communicate with a housing to control fluid flow for cooling, heating, and dehumidification modes, eliminating the need for separate thermostatic doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 4-way valves are used to control coolant ports for different air-conditioning modes, then the air-conditioning modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification) can be properly controlled, but the overall costs increase and packaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple 4-way valves into a single integrated valve assembly that can control coolant flow for multiple air-conditioning modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification). The valve body integrates multiple internal channels and ports that replace the function of separate valves, reducing the total number of components while maintaining full mode control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly is designed with multi-functional capability to handle different air-conditioning modes through its internal channel configuration. The rotor with multiple stages and channels can direct coolant flow to different heat exchanger portions according to the selected mode, making one valve perform the work of multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 4-way valves are used to control coolant ports, then mode-specific coolant distribution is achieved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly, the overall volume required for valve installation is reduced. The compact design with internal channels eliminates the need for multiple separate valve bodies, actuators, and mounting spaces that would be required if separate valves were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly employs a nested structure where the rotor is positioned within the valve body, and internal channels are embedded within the rotor structure. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the external dimensions of the valve assembly.
3Device complexity
If a single-valve assembly is used to reduce costs and improve packaging, then component count and space are reduced, but the ability to control multiple air-conditioning modes must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve assembly is designed with universal capability to control all air-conditioning modes through its multi-channel rotor structure. Each stage of the rotor contains channels that can be selectively activated to achieve cooling, heating, or dehumidification modes, ensuring full adaptability despite the reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is divided into multiple stages with distinct channel configurations for different modes. This segmentation allows independent control of coolant flow paths for each mode while maintaining a unified valve structure, enabling the single valve to perform multiple specialized functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-controlling valve assembly according to an embodiment includes a housing and a rotor installed inside the housing to be rotatable in accordance with air-conditioning modes, and the rotor is stacked in two stages along the axial direction such that fluid channels enabling fluid to flow may be formed in each of the first stage and the second stage.