Integrated Valve Body Flow Routing to Reduce Pipeline Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long pipeline connections in thermal management systems increase fluid flow resistance, hindering efficient fluid flow during operation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid management assembly with a valve body and a rotatable valve core, featuring multiple flow passages and chambers that reduce pipeline connections, allowing for communication between chambers through throttle passages to minimize fluid resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If functional components are connected by long pipelines in a thermal management system, then the system can be assembled, but the fluid flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow efficiencyVSAvoidpipeline length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple flow passages (first flow passage, second flow passage, third flow passage, fourth flow passage) and chambers (first chamber, second chamber, throttle chamber) into a single integrated valve body structure. This merging of previously separate pipeline components into one compact unit dramatically reduces the total length of fluid pathways and eliminates multiple connection points, thereby reducing fluid flow resistance while maintaining all necessary thermal management functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pipelines are used to connect flow passages, then fluid can be directed to different chambers, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid routing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pipeline connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides multiple flow passages, multiple chambers, throttling capability, and directional control all within a single structure. The first valve core can rotate to control fluid flow between different chambers through different flow passages, enabling versatile fluid routing without requiring separate components for each function. This universal design reduces the number of pipeline connections while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the first valve core is positioned within the first chamber, the throttle chamber is integrated within the valve body, and multiple flow passages are embedded within the valve body walls. This nesting of components within each other creates a compact arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to direct fluid to different chambers through multiple internal pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3988826B1Fluid management assembly
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 ZHEJIANG SANHUA INTELLIGENT CONTROLS CO LTD
  • EP3988826B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3988826B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3988826B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a fluid management assembly (10). The fluid management assembly (10) comprises a valve body (3000, 3100, 3200), a first cavity (100), a second cavity (200), a first flow channel (300), a second flow channel (400), a third flow channel (500) and a fourth flow channel (600), wherein the first flow channel (300), the second flow channel (400) and the third flow channel (500) have openings (1, 2, 3) in an outer wall of the valve body (3000, 3100, 3200); the valve body (3000, 3100, 3200) is provided with the second cavity (200), the second flow channel (400) and a first channel (3120); and the first channel (3120) can communicate the first cavity (100) and the second cavity (200). The fluid management assembly (10) is provided with a pluralitu of channels, the first cavity (100) and the second cavity (200), such that pipeline connections between corresponding functional components can be reduced, thereby facilitating a relative reduction in the flow resistance of a fluid.