Dual-Stage Heat Control Valve for Precise Pressure Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control valves struggle to provide precise fluid flow control in response to varying fluid pressure differences, leading to inaccuracies in temperature regulation.

Innovation Solution

A control valve design featuring a second valve member that moves through its seat against the flow direction, sensing inlet pressure accurately, and a concentric arrangement with a pressure control spring, allowing for precise fluid flow regulation based on pressure differentials and thermostat settings, with self-cleaning capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a control valve uses a conventional pressure sensing method with a narrow bypass channel, then the structure is simpler, but the inlet pressure reading accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinlet pressure reading accuracyVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second valve member that acts as an intermediary pressure sensing element. This member reaches into the inlet space to directly sense inlet pressure, serving as a mediator between the inlet pressure source and the control mechanism, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex external sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The second valve member extends in the axial direction into the inlet space, utilizing the third dimension (depth/length) to access the pressure source directly. This dimensional approach allows accurate pressure sensing without adding complex lateral or radial structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a control valve has separate pressure control and temperature control units, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent function optimizationVSAvoidcontrol valve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure control function (second valve arrangement) and temperature control function (first valve arrangement) into a single integrated valve body. Both valve members and their respective seats are housed together, allowing independent optimization of each function while maintaining a unified compact structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs both pressure differential compensation and temperature-based flow regulation. The single valve body accommodates two independent valve arrangements, each optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall versatility of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances fluid flow control accuracy and temperature regulation across varying pressure conditions, reducing noise and maintaining consistent flow despite pressure fluctuations, while providing self-cleaning functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The second valve member may be urged against the flow direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet by means of a pressure control spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A rolling membrane or diaphragm may connect the first valve member to the second valve member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure transmission through flexible membrane: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4343187B1A control valve for heat regulation
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 PURMO GRP SWEDEN AB
  • EP4343187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343187B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4343187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a control valve for heat regulation comprising a housing (3) with a fluid inlet (5) and a fluid outlet (7). A first valve arrangement is provided, comprising a first valve member (25) and a first valve seat (27), regulating a fluid flow based on a thermostat setting as well as a second valve arrangement, comprising a second valve member (11) and a second valve seat (13), regulating a fluid flow based on a fluid pressure difference between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The second valve seat (13) is ring-shaped and the second valve member (11) reaches through the second valve seat (13) against the flow direction, such that an increase in said fluid pressure difference causes the second valve member (11) to move in said flow direction towards the second valve seat (13), thereby constricting the fluid flow. Accurate pressure difference control can be achieved as the first valve member senses the pressure of the incoming water.