Device for handling a liquid medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling liquid media, such as water, require multiple separate fittings that increase space requirements, create additional sealing points and potential leaks, and result in significant pressure loss due to the combination of separate pressure reducing and non-return valves.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing integrating a pressure reducing valve, two non-return valves, and test sockets, where the pressure reducing valve is downstream of the non-return valves, minimizing interfaces, space, and pressure loss, and allowing automatic operation based on outlet chamber pressure, with a manually operable shut-off valve for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate fittings (pressure reducing valve, non-return valves) are used, then each valve can perform its function independently, but the number of interfaces increases, creating more sealing points and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fittings (pressure reducing valve, first non-return valve, second non-return valve) into a single integrated device with a common housing. This merging eliminates the need for external interfaces and seals between separate components, thereby reducing potential leak points while maintaining all necessary valve functions within one unified structure.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fittings are used, then each valve can be optimized independently, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the pressure reducing valve, first non-return valve, and second non-return valve in a nested configuration within the housing, where components are positioned sequentially along the fluid flow path. The valves are integrated in such a way that they occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces within the same housing volume, minimizing the overall space requirement while allowing each valve to maintain its functional optimization.
3Ease of operation
If separate pressure reducing valve and non-return valves are used, then each valve can operate independently, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the internal flow channels and valve arrangements to ensure continuous, smooth fluid flow through all three valves without interruption or turbulence. The valves are positioned and configured to maintain steady flow conditions, minimizing pressure drops at each valve interface and ensuring that the useful action of fluid transport continues uninterrupted through the integrated device.
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 integrated design reduces interfaces and space requirements, minimizes leaks and pressure loss, and provides a high level of system security by automatically controlling the operation of the valves based on pressure conditions, ensuring efficient handling of liquid media.
Implementation Method 1
depending on the outlet chamber pressure prevailing in the outlet chamber 13, namely in such a way that when the in the Outlet chamber 13 prevailing outlet chamber pressure is greater than a limit value, the pressure reducing valve for separating inlet chamber 12 and outlet chamber 13 is automatically closed, whereas if the outlet chamber pressure prevailing in outlet chamber 13 is less than a limit value, the pressure reducing valve 14 for coupling inlet chamber 12 and Outlet chamber 13 is automatically opened
Implementation Method 2
The limit value for the outlet chamber pressure, below which the pressure reducing valve 14 opens automatically, is determined by a spring element 15 of the pressure reducing valve 14, which acts on a piston 16 of the pressure reducing valve 14 in the opening direction of the same
Implementation Method 3
when the outlet chamber pressure prevailing in the outlet chamber 13 is greater than the limit value determined by the spring element 15, the sealing element 18 of the pressure reducing valve 14 presses against a valve seat 19 of the pressure reducing valve 14
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A device (10) for handling a liquid medium, in particular water, having a housing (11), wherein the housing (11) defines an inlet chamber (12) for the liquid medium and an outlet chamber (13) for the liquid medium, said inlet chamber and outlet chamber being separated from one another or coupled to one another by a pressure reduction valve (14) in such a way that, when an outlet chamber pressure prevailing in the outlet chamber (13) is lower than a threshold value, the pressure reduction valve (14) is automatically opened in order to couple the inlet chamber (12) and outlet chamber (13), and in that, when the outlet chamber pressure prevailing in the outlet chamber (13) is higher than the threshold value, the pressure reduction valve (14) is automatically closed in order to separate the inlet chamber (12) and outlet chamber (13), wherein two return flow prevention valves (21, 22) are integrated in the inlet chamber (12) of the housing (11).