Dual-Path Valve Assembly for Self-Regulating Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proportional valves for regulating fluid flow in cooling systems are expensive and require complex control units for precise operation, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement comprising a throttle valve and a check valve with a pressure-dependent flow cross-section, allowing for self-regulation without external control, featuring a progressive characteristic curve at lower flows and degressive curve at higher flows, ensuring the flow rate is determined by the pressure differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proportional valves with control units are used to regulate fluid flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement uses the pressure differential between inlet and outlet to automatically regulate flow through the check valve's pressure-dependent cross-section, eliminating the need for external control units or actuators. The system self-regulates based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is divided into two parallel paths: a first path with a throttle valve for baseline flow control, and a second path with a check valve for pressure-dependent flow augmentation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex flow characteristics through simple passive components
2Measurement precision
If proportional valves with control units are used to regulate fluid flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive proportional valves and control units with inexpensive passive components (throttle valve and check valve) that have no moving parts requiring actuation. The simple mechanical design significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
By eliminating control units, actuators, and associated electronics, the system removes major cost drivers. The self-regulating mechanism using pressure differential and check valve geometry provides precise flow control without requiring any external power or control infrastructure
3Extent of automation
If a check valve with pressure-dependent cross-section is used in the second flow path, then automatic flow regulation is achieved, but valve structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve's flow cross-section is designed to change with pressure differential. As the pressure difference between inlet and outlet increases, the effective cross-section of the check valve decreases, providing automatic flow regulation through passive geometric design rather than active control mechanisms
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 valve arrangement achieves cost-effective and automatic regulation of fluid flow, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for external control units while maintaining precise flow control.
Implementation Method 1
The flow cross-section of the check valve decreases with increasing pressure difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure
Implementation Method 2
A throttle valve is arranged in the first flow path... typically exhibit a linear or degressive characteristic curve, where the volume flow rate increases proportionally or degressively with increasing pressure difference
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The application relates to a valve arrangement (1), comprising at least an inlet (2) and an outlet (3), a first flow path (4) connecting the inlet (2) with the outlet (3) in a fluid-technical manner, and a second flow path (5) connecting the inlet (2) with the outlet (3) in a fluid-technical manner, wherein a throttle valve (6) is arranged in the first flow path (4) and a check valve (7) is arranged in the second flow path (5), wherein a flow cross-section (8) of the check valve (7) decreases with increasing pressure difference (9) between a first pressure (10) in the inlet (2) and a second pressure (11) in the outlet (3).