Flow quantity controller and service element for a flow quantity controller, and use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulators face challenges with sealing reliability and service life, particularly in small diameters, and the ease of replacing worn seals, with thermal decoupling materials being prone to overload and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate regulator design featuring a two-part housing with a service element that surrounds the actuating element, comprising central elements with sealing arrangements on both the drinking water and heating medium sides, utilizing dynamic and static sealing elements, including U-rings and O-rings, for improved sealing and easy replacement of worn parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a coupling part made of low thermal conductivity material (e.g., plastic) is used to thermally decouple the two housing parts, then thermal decoupling is achieved, but the coupling part can be overloaded and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing and coupling function into separate components: a service element that provides sealing and a coupling part that provides mechanical connection. The service element with sealing arrangements is integrated into the coupling structure, allowing the sealing function to be separated from the load-bearing coupling function, thus preventing overload failure of the sealing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The service element combines different materials with complementary properties: a plastic component for thermal decoupling and sealing, and a metal reinforcement element for mechanical strength. This composite structure allows the coupling part to withstand mechanical loads while maintaining thermal decoupling and providing reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If seals are installed in small diameter applications, then sealing is achieved, but installation is technically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into modular components: the service element with integrated sealing arrangements that can be pre-assembled and then installed as a unit. This modular approach simplifies installation in small diameter applications by reducing the complexity of in-situ seal installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The service element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates seal installation. It provides a structured interface between the housing parts and the sealing elements, making the sealing process more manageable and less technically difficult, particularly in small diameter applications.
3Reliability
If seals are made permanent in the housing, then sealing reliability is improved, but replacement of worn seals becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The service element with sealing arrangements is designed as a detachable module that can be removed and replaced independently from the housing. This segmentation allows seals to be permanently fixed within the service element for reliability, while the entire service element can be easily replaced when seals wear out, solving the contradiction between permanent installation and easy replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The service element is designed as a replaceable service pack that can be discarded and replaced without affecting the housing or other components. When seals wear out, the entire service element is replaced as a unit, making maintenance simple while ensuring reliable sealing during operation. The old service element is discarded and a new one is installed.
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 design achieves enhanced sealing between the drinking water and heating medium sides, extending the service life of seals and simplifying the replacement of worn parts, while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an additional sealing arrangement made of two elastomeric O-rings in the first housing part
Implementation Method 2
The coupling part is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity, such as plastic, than the two housing parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow rate controller (1) for regulating fluid volume flows in a heating system for heating drinking water, comprising at least: a housing formed in at least two parts with at least a first housing part (11) on the drinking water circuit side and a second housing part (12) on the heating medium circuit side; an actuating element (13) operatively connected with an actuator (14) on the drinking water circuit side and a control element (15) on the heating medium circuit side; and a service element (16) that concentrically surrounds the actuating element (13) and is fixed but detachably arranged between the first (11) and the second housing part (12). The service element (16) comprises at least a first central element (16.1), a second potable water circuit-side element (16.2) and a third heating medium circuit-side element (16.3), wherein the first, second and third elements (16.1, 16.2, 16.3) are rigidly connected to each other, and the second element (16.2) a drinking water circuit-side (16.4) and the third element (16.3) a heating medium circuit-side sealing arrangement (16.5). The invention further relates to a service element (16) for a flow rate regulator (1) as well as the use of the service element (16) and the flow rate regulator (1).