Balancing Valve Ring Nut Layout for Easier Flow Rate Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancing valves in heating and cooling systems require manual and often difficult adjustments to set and change the maximum flow rate, especially in inaccessible locations, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to temperature differences caused by varying fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
An automatic balancing valve with a manually operated ring nut below the actuating member, featuring a percentage scale and reference element for easy adjustment of the choking means, allowing rotation without removing the actuating member, and incorporating a power-assisted actuating member for enhanced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control for adjusting maximum flow rate is hidden under the actuating member or positioned on the opposite side, then the valve structure is compact, but the adjustment operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ring nut is positioned in a different spatial dimension (below the actuating member) rather than on the same plane, allowing access from a different direction. This dimensional repositioning enables operators to adjust the flow rate without removing the actuating member or contorting into awkward positions, directly resolving the contradiction between compact structure and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring nut acts as an intermediary control element that mediates between the operator and the choking means. By providing a dedicated, easily accessible interface (the ring nut with its larger dimensions) below the actuating member, it simplifies the adjustment operation without requiring direct manipulation of the internal choking mechanism or removal of other components.
2Ease of operation
If the ring nut dimensions are larger than the actuating member, then the ring nut is easier to operate, but the overall valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system is segmented into distinct functional elements with different sizes and purposes. The actuating member maintains its original compact dimensions for shutter control, while the ring nut for flow rate adjustment is given larger dimensions for ease of operation. This segmentation allows each control element to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and compact size.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic balancing valve is disclosed which is equipped with choking means that can be operated manually with a ring nut (30) placed below the actuating member (20) of the shutter and aligned axially therewith. Advantageously, the dimensions of the ring nut are larger in plan view compared to the plan view dimensions of the actuating member so as to allow its rotation without removing the actuating member..