Adjustable Valve Unit for Heating Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-pipe heating systems in old buildings face challenges in replacing manual valves with thermostatically controlled or thermoelectrically equipped valves due to incompatible geometries and distances between outlets, making it difficult to integrate modern valves with thermostatic controls into outdated systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit with adjustable center distance and movable coupling means that allows for versatile installation configurations, enabling connection to various geometrical setups, including single-pipe and two-pipe systems, and can be equipped with thermostatic or thermoelectric controls without requiring electric supply, using a plug mechanism with a control rod and adaptable connection portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a valve with fixed connection portions is used in old heating systems, then the valve structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the valve cannot adapt to different outlet geometries and distances in outdated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portions are made movable relative to each other through a telescopic mechanism with sliding elements and guiding surfaces. This allows the distance between connection portions to be adjusted dynamically to match different outlet geometries in existing heating systems, while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is divided into separate components including movable connection portions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each connection portion to be adjusted separately to accommodate various outlet configurations without redesigning the entire valve.
2Loss of energy
If manual valves are replaced with thermostatically controlled valves in old systems, then energy consumption is optimized, but the installation becomes difficult or impossible due to geometric incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable center distance between connection portions allows the valve to be adapted to existing outlet geometries in old heating systems, making installation feasible while enabling thermostatic control for energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design with adjustable geometry can serve both old single-pipe systems and newer two-pipe systems, providing universal applicability across different heating system types while enabling energy-efficient thermostatic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between connection portions is fixed, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but the valve cannot accommodate varying outlet distances in different heating system configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring high manufacturing precision for fixed distances, the design uses a movable telescopic mechanism that allows post-manufacturing adjustment of the distance between connection portions, accommodating various outlet distances without demanding extreme manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance parameter between connection portions is made variable through the telescopic mechanism, allowing the same valve to be manufactured with standard tolerances and then adjusted to different distances in the field to match various outlet configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5a
Figure 6
AI summary
A valve unit (1) for a heating circuit comprises a valve body (2) housing plug means (3, 4, 5) for varying the flow of a thermal fluid, the plug means (3, 4, 5) being drivable by a manual control (7, 8) or by a thermostatic or thermoelectric head, a first connection portion (6) and a second connection portion (9) connected to the valve body (2) for connecting to a first and second outlet of a delivery pipe of the hydraulic circuit, and a third connection portion (10), for connecting a heating body, that extends along a first axis (B) lying on a plane also containing the operating direction (A); the valve unit (1) is provided with movable coupling means (14, 16) by means of which the second connection portion (9) is connected to the valve body (2). The movable coupling means (14, 16) is configured in such a manner as to enable the position of the second connection portion (9) to be varied with respect to the first connection portion (6) to adapt to installation configurations with different possible distances between the first outlet and the second outlet and/or orientations of one with respect to the other.