Flow Regulating Module With Dual Gaps for Low-Resistance HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulating devices for heating or cooling systems face challenges in reducing flow resistance and minimizing vibration due to pressure fluctuations, while also requiring a compact design for easy installation in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The flow rate regulating device features a first flow gap arranged between the potted edge and the inner mantle area of a functional component, which reduces flow resistance and minimizes vibration. This design includes a quantity regulating module with a movable pot and a secondary actuating module, such as a temperature control module, to adjust the flow gaps dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional flow openings are used in flow rate regulating devices, then the device structure is simple, but the flow resistance is high and vibration occurs due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow opening is segmented into multiple flow gaps (first flow gap and second flow gap) arranged in sequence. The first flow gap is formed between the pot rim and the inner surface of the functional component, while the second flow gap is formed by the regulating insert. This segmentation allows the flow to be controlled in stages, reducing turbulence and vibration while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating insert is designed to be movable relative to the functional component, allowing dynamic adjustment of the second flow gap. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to varying pressure conditions and flow requirements, optimizing flow resistance characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled movement rather than complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the flow rate regulating device is made compact for easy installation, then installation is simplified, but the available space for flow regulation components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating insert is positioned within the functional component's housing, with the pot rim nested between the inlet opening and the regulating insert. This nested arrangement allows multiple flow regulation elements to be compactly integrated within a small volume, enabling easy installation in existing systems without requiring extensive space while still providing effective flow control functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the regulating insert is made movable to adjust flow gaps dynamically, then flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pot rim acts as an intermediary element between the inlet opening and the regulating insert. It provides a stable reference surface that works in conjunction with the movable regulating insert to define the first flow gap. This intermediary structure enables precise flow control through the regulating insert's movement while maintaining a relatively simple regulating mechanism, as the pot rim provides structural support and geometric reference without requiring complex additional components.
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 effectively reduces flow resistance and minimizes vibration due to pressure fluctuations, enabling a compact design that facilitates easy installation in existing systems. The modular structure also simplifies production, assembly, maintenance, and the replacement of defective components.
Implementation Method 1
a regulating spring (33) of the quantity regulating module (20), with a regulating pot (30) facing the inlet opening (3), closed pot base (32) and a pot rim (31) projecting from the pot base (32), as well as a first flow opening of variable size and a second flow opening pre-adjustable via the handle (16)
Implementation Method 2
the first flow gap is formed between the pot rim and an inner jacket surface of a functional component of the quantity regulating module facing the pot rim
Implementation Method 3
a regulating spring (33) of the quantity regulating module (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow rate control device for a heating or cooling system comprising a housing (1) comprising an inlet nozzle (2) with an inlet opening (3) for a working medium, comprising a flow rate control module (20) provided in the housing (1), which can change a flow rate for the working medium depending on a presetting and a pressure differential, and comprising a handle (16) which interacts with a regulating insert (24) of the flow rate control module (20) movably arranged in a module housing of the flow rate control module (20) to change the presetting, wherein the flow rate control module (20) has a regulating pot (30) which is held longitudinally displaceable with respect to the regulating insert (24) and supported against the regulating insert (24) by a regulating spring (33) of the flow rate control module (20) and has a regulating pot (30) facing the inlet opening.The invention provides a closed pot base (31) and a pot rim (31) projecting from the pot base (31), as well as a first flow opening of variable size and a second flow opening that can be preset via the handle (6), wherein the first flow opening is formed as a first flow gap (40) and the second flow opening as a second flow gap (41), wherein the first flow gap (40) is arranged upstream of the second flow gap (41) with respect to a flow direction (4) of the working medium, and wherein the first flow gap (40) is formed between the pot rim (31) and an inner surface (23) of a functional component of the flow control module (20) facing the pot rim (31) and encompassing it at least partially on the outside. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for the flow rate control device comprising the secondary actuation module and the flow control module (10).