Automatic Balancing Valve With Membrane Regulator Against Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic balancing valves in heating and cooling systems face issues due to debris and oxide deposits on moving parts, which impair their responsiveness to pressure variations, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An automatic balancing valve design featuring a differential-pressure regulator device with an elastic bellows-like membrane and a sleeve that prevents debris deposition by routing fluid through a central duct, combined with a floating gasket to minimize fluid leakage and maintain effective adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If moving parts are used for automatic adjustment in balancing valves, then the valve can automatically respond to pressure variations, but debris and oxides deposit on the moving parts, reducing responsive efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful interaction between debris and moving parts by eliminating the moving parts entirely. The differential-pressure regulator device uses a membrane-based mechanism where the membrane responds to pressure variations without physical contact with debris-carrying fluid, thereby maintaining responsive efficacy while achieving automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary element that transmits pressure variations without direct exposure to debris. The membrane acts as a mediator between the pressure-differential signal and the adjustment mechanism, allowing automatic response while preventing debris deposition on sensitive components.
2Ease of operation
If moving parts are exposed to fluid carrying debris, then the valve can perform automatic adjustment, but deposits and scales accumulate on the moving parts, impairing correct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable moving parts from the debris-exposed environment. The differential-pressure regulator device employs a membrane that remains protected from direct fluid contact with debris, while still enabling automatic adjustment functionality through pressure-sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible membrane as the core sensing element in the differential-pressure regulator device. This thin film responds to pressure variations without requiring rigid moving parts, thereby preventing debris accumulation while maintaining ease of automatic operation.
3Productivity
If traditional automatic balancing valves are used, then flow rate adjustment is achieved, but power consumption increases due to temperature differences in various environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating differential-pressure regulator device that automatically adjusts flow rates based on real-time pressure conditions without requiring external power input. The membrane-based mechanism self-responds to pressure variations, eliminating the need for powered actuators and reducing overall system energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the membrane continuously senses pressure differential changes and automatically adjusts the valve position accordingly. This closed-loop self-regulation ensures optimal flow distribution across heating/cooling zones, preventing temperature imbalances and reducing power consumption without sacrificing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces debris accumulation on moving parts, ensuring consistent fluid flow and pressure balance, thereby minimizing power consumption and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic bellows-like membrane separating the inner volume of the regulator in a first chamber hydraulically connected with the inlet channel and a second chamber hydraulically connected downstream of the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
the elastic bellows-like membrane separating the inner volume of the regulator in a first chamber hydraulically connected with the inlet channel and a second chamber hydraulically connected downstream of the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic balancing valve is described, wherein a pressure regulator device is provided and comprises a sleeve sliding axially between a position opening at least one passage port for the fluid towards the outlet channel and a position closing the passage port/s depending on the pressure difference detected between two different chambers separated by an elastic membrane.