Combined isolation valve and check valve with integral flow rate pressure, and/or temperature measurement and field configurability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydronic HVAC systems face challenges with space inefficiency and increased system head loss due to the need for separate components like isolation valves, check valves, flow meters, pressure gauges, and thermometers, which also pose risks of fluid leakage and varying accuracy in flow rate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A combination valve that functions as both an isolation valve and a check valve, equipped with embedded sensors for flow rate, pressure, and temperature measurement, allowing for compact installation and configuration in straight, angled, or intermediate orientations, eliminating the need for separate components and minimizing system head loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (isolation valve, check valve, flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) are installed in a hydronic HVAC system, then each component can perform its specific function, but the system occupies more space and experiences increased head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (isolation valve, check valve) and measurement devices (flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) into a single integrated combination valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing space occupation and minimizing head loss while maintaining all required functions within one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an isolation valve and a check valve while incorporating embedded flow rate, pressure, and temperature measurement capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace several separate devices, directly addressing the space and head loss issues.
2Reliability
If separate components (isolation valve, check valve, flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) are installed in a hydronic HVAC system, then each component can perform its specific function, but the system experiences increased head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (isolation valve, check valve) and measurement devices (flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) into a single integrated combination valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing space occupation and minimizing head loss while maintaining all required functions within one compact unit.
3Measurement precision
If flow measurement devices are permanently installed in a hydronic HVAC system, then flow rate verification is achieved, but extra space is taken up and system head loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement device is integrated within the combination valve assembly rather than being a separate permanently installed component. This embedding provides accurate flow rate verification while minimizing the space required, as the measurement functionality is incorporated into the existing valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination valve integrates flow rate measurement capability along with isolation, check valve, pressure, and temperature functions. This multi-functionality allows the single component to provide accurate flow verification without requiring additional dedicated space for separate measurement devices.
4Reliability
If separate components are installed in a hydronic HVAC system, then system functionality is complete, but the system requires significant pipe length and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (isolation valve, check valve) and measurement devices (flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) into a single integrated combination valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing space occupation and minimizing head loss while maintaining all required functions within one compact unit.
5Reliability
If separate components are installed in a hydronic HVAC system, then each component can be optimized for its function, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (isolation valve, check valve) and measurement devices (flow meter, pressure gauge, thermometer) into a single integrated combination valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing space occupation and minimizing head loss while maintaining all required functions within one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an isolation valve and a check valve while incorporating embedded flow rate, pressure, and temperature measurement capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace several separate devices, directly addressing the space and head loss issues.
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 combination valve achieves space savings and reduces energy consumption by integrating multiple functions into a single unit, preventing fluid leakage and ensuring accurate measurements while maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Flow measurement would occur through an embedded electromagnetic, electromechanical, or mechanical flow measurement device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention allows for a combination valve in a hydronic HVAC system that functions as an isolation valve; a check valve; and as a device for measuring fluid parameters, such as flow rate, pressure, and/or temperature, and also allows for the isolation valve to be configured in the field to be mounted either in a straight 180° or an angled 90° orientation, as well as at an intermediate angle. The new combination of isolation valve, check valve, with embedded sensors for flow rate, pressure, and/or temperature measurement provides a more compact product envelope that achieves space savings, e.g., by eliminating the need for separate components in an HVAC system, such as separate isolation valves, check valves, flow meters, pressure gages, and/or thermometers.