Valve Connecting Pieces Rectangular Housing Flow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid system valves for vehicles are limited in design and functionality due to circular cross sections, which restrict the optimization of flow and utilization of available installation space, particularly around the axis of rotation.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces connecting pieces with circular flow passage areas that widen in a diffuser-like manner into substantially rectangular valve housing openings, allowing for improved flow optimization and space utilization, with the option for non-circular cross sections and integration of components like plastic injection molded parts for simplified production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circular cross sections are used for connecting pieces and valve housing openings, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flow optimization and space utilization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cross-sectional shape parameter from circular to substantially rectangular for valve housing openings and connecting pieces. This parameter change enables improved flow characteristics and space utilization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single circular dimension to a two-dimensional rectangular cross-section, allowing optimization in both width and height dimensions. This dimensional change enables better alignment with the rotational axis and improved flow paths without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
2Device complexity
If circular cross sections are used for connecting pieces and valve housing openings, then design simplicity is maintained, but available installation space utilization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric rectangular cross-sections for valve housing openings and connecting pieces, allowing optimization of space utilization in specific directions. The rectangular shape can be oriented to maximize use of available installation space around the rotational axis while maintaining clear alignment features for assembly.
3Productivity
If circular valve housing openings are enlarged to optimize flow, then flow through the opening improves, but the limited circumferential installation space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention switches from enlarging circular openings (single radial dimension) to using rectangular openings that can extend in both width and height dimensions. This allows achieving larger flow areas without proportionally increasing the circumferential footprint, as the rectangular shape can be oriented to utilize axial and radial spaces more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a fluid system of a vehicle having a valve housing with valve housing openings, a valve body arranged so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, a valve seal, a valve drive, and a plurality of connecting pieces corresponding to the valve housing openings. The connecting pieces have a circular flow passage area in cross section at a free end of the respective connecting piece, and the valve housing openings, corresponding to the connecting pieces, each have a substantially rectangular cross section. The respective valve housing opening is larger than the flow passage area at the free end of the corresponding connecting piece, and the flow passage areas of the connecting pieces widen in a diffuser-like manner from the free end of the respective connecting piece to the respective corresponding valve housing opening and merge in a stepless manner into the respective valve housing opening.