Four-Way Valve Flushing for Bidirectional Liquid Circuit Rinsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rinsing and refilling liquid circuits in heat pump and solar thermal systems are inefficient and labor-intensive, often resulting in leaks and splashes, and require manual mixing and measurement of antifreeze mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A compact, transportable automatic rinsing machine equipped with a controllable four-way valve, pressure pump, and mixing device that allows for efficient flushing in both directions and on-site preparation of the antifreeze mixture with precise ratio control, utilizing a return loop and optional third three-way valve for recirculation or drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is used for pre-rinsing and back-rinsing by changing connections, then thorough rinsing in both directions is achieved, but a lot of work is involved and liquid leaks and splashes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rinsing process into two distinct phases (pre-rinsing and back-rinsing) with automatically switched flow directions. The four-way valve segments the single hose into multiple functional pathways, enabling thorough rinsing in both directions without manual reconnection work.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-way valve acts as an intermediary device that automatically switches the flow direction of the rinsing liquid. Instead of manually changing hose connections, the valve mediates the fluid flow to achieve bidirectional rinsing, preventing leaks and splashes while maintaining rinsing effectiveness.
2Loss of substance
If antifreeze mixture is prepared on site with correct mixing ratio, then transport requirements are reduced, but mixing device and ratio measurement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the container, mixing chamber, and dispensing system into a single integrated unit. The antifreeze concentrate and water mixing occurs automatically within the container itself, eliminating the need for separate mixing devices and ratio measurement equipment while enabling on-site preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions: storing antifreeze concentrate, mixing with water, and dispensing the final mixture. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mixing equipment and reduces transport requirements while maintaining correct mixing ratios.
3Loss of substance
If container is used for mixing and dispensing, then transport of prepared mixture is reduced, but container must serve multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: storing antifreeze concentrate, mixing with water, and dispensing the final mixture. This multi-functionality reduces transport requirements while adapting to the various operational needs of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines storage, mixing, and dispensing functions into a single container unit. This merging of functions improves transport efficiency by eliminating the need to transport pre-mixed large volumes while maintaining the versatility needed for different operational scenarios.
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
Enables thorough, efficient rinsing and refilling of liquid circuits with minimal liquid consumption and precise mixture preparation, reducing manual labor and minimizing leaks, while ensuring the correct mixing ratio and effective removal of contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure pump (2), which conveys a liquid from the container (1) to the four-way valve (3)
Implementation Method 2
a controllable four-way valve (3), which can be adjusted between an advance position and a return position
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic flushing system for liquid circuits and a corresponding flushing method. The automatic flushing system comprises a container (1), a pressure pump (2), a controllable four-way valve (3), and a control element (4) for controlling the pressure pump (2) and the four-way valve (3). The container (1) is connected to the inlet (31) of the four-way valve (3). The four-way valve (3) comprises an inlet (31), an outlet (32), a supply (33), and a return (34) and is controllable between a forward position and a reverse position. In the forward position, liquid flowing in through the inlet (31) flows out of the supply (33), and liquid flowing in through the return (34) flows out of the outlet (32). In the reverse position, a liquid flowing in through the inlet (31) flows out of the return (34), and a liquid flowing in through the inlet (33) flows out of the outlet (32).