Compact Distribution Valve with Integrated Adjustable Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributor valves for heating systems are complex, space-consuming, and costly, requiring multiple components and time-consuming calibration for setting and maintaining flow rates, especially when temporarily shutting off or adjusting heating circuits.
Innovation Solution
A compact distributor valve design with an adjustable stop mechanism and integrated setting and measuring unit, featuring a rotating adjustment spindle and stop surfaces for precise flow rate control, allowing for quick re-establishment of original flow rates without recalibration, and a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external stop cap with locking ring is used to define maximum valve opening, then the maximum valve opening can be adjusted, but the installation space required increases and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means are integrated directly into the adjusting spindle, merging the adjustment function and the stopping function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate external stop caps and locking rings, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to adjust and define the maximum valve opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting spindle is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the valve opening for flow rate adjustment and simultaneously provides the stop means to define the maximum opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for adjustment and stopping functions, then the functions can be clearly separated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the stop means into the adjusting spindle, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while the functional separation between adjustment and stopping is maintained through the design of the integrated component itself.
3Ease of operation
If the adjusting spindle can be freely adjusted without limits, then the flow rate can be freely controlled, but the maximum flow rate cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means are designed to be adjustable along the adjusting spindle, allowing the maximum flow rate limit to be dynamically changed according to different operational requirements. This provides both free adjustability within limits and the ability to set specific maximum limits.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution valve for use in the feed or return of a medium circuit, comprising a housing (1) that forms the feed or return conduit, a branch conduit (2) branching off the housing (1), and an adjusting unit (3) for adjusting the flow rate through the branch conduit (2), said adjusting unit being separate from the housing (1) and being arranged on the housing (1) opposite the branch conduit (2) and extending through the housing wall. The adjusting unit (3) comprises an adjusting spindle (4) the axial position of which relative to a component (5) of the adjusting unit (3) connected to the housing (1) can be varied by rotation, thereby varying the flow rate. The valve is designed such that an axial movement of the adjusting spindle (4) relative to the component (5) towards the branch conduit (2) results in an increase in the flow rate through the branch conduit (2). The valve according to the invention further comprises adjustable stop means by means of which an axial movement of the adjusting spindle (4) relative to the component (5) towards the branch conduit (2) can be limited in a defined axial position when a first stop face (7) connected to the adjusting spindle (4) abuts a second stop face (8) connected to the housing (1), in order to limit the maximum adjustable flow rate through the branch conduit (2). The invention provides in a cost-effective manner distribution valves that are compact and have a simple design and the flow rate limitation of which, once adjusted to a certain value, remains the same even despite temporary shut-off or temporary reduction of the flow rate.