Heating Circuit Distributor Valve Unit With Rotary Disk Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve units for heating circuit distributors lack a compact structure both inside and outside the valve housing, with complex assembly processes and sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit design featuring a non-rotatably mounted first disk with throughflow openings, a second disk in surface contact with the first disk, and a guide channel in the connecting sleeve, allowing for a plug-in assembly process without axial displacement, and utilizing a spacer for adjustable valve part positioning, along with a rotational actuating mechanism limited to 90°, reducing the need for additional components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional valve unit design with separate components is used, then the valve unit can be assembled, but the structure becomes complex and occupies excessive space both inside and outside the valve housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first disk, second disk, and adjusting means into a single integrated valve unit that can be inserted as one component. The first disk with throughflow opening and the second disk with throughflow opening are merged with the adjusting means (pin with collar and key) to form a compact assembly, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall structure complexity and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve unit employs a nested arrangement where the second disk is positioned within the guide channel, the first disk is arranged within the second disk, and the lock ring surrounds both disks. The adjusting means (pin) passes through the center of both disks. This nested configuration maximizes space efficiency and creates a compact valve unit structure.
2Productivity
If a conventional assembly process with multiple steps is used, then all components can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is pre-assembled in a nested configuration before insertion into the valve housing. The second disk is placed within the guide channel, the first disk is arranged within the second disk, the lock ring is positioned, and the adjusting means is inserted through the center. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation step to a single insertion motion, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.
3Reliability
If the valve unit is designed with fixed component positions, then manufacturing is simpler, but the valve becomes sensitive to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed to be movable along the guide channel rather than being fixed in position. This allows the lock ring to adjust its position to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances of the first and second disks. The dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable sealing and operation even when component dimensions vary within tolerance ranges, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations.
4Reliability
If additional components are added to accommodate axial displacement, then the valve function can be maintained, but the space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel serves as an intermediary structure that guides the adjusting means (pin) during rotation while preventing axial displacement. The guide channel's geometry constrains the pin to rotational motion only, eliminating the need for additional components to prevent axial movement. This intermediary structure enables compact design while maintaining reliable valve function through pure rotational operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve unit (300) for a heating circuit distributor (1), which can be installed in a valve housing (50), the valve unit (300) formed from a first valve part (100) and a second valve part (200) comprising a channel through which an interior (53) of the valve housing (50) can be connected to a pipeline connection (202) of the second valve part. The valve unit (300) in the channel comprises a non-rotatably mounted first disk (205) with at least one throughflow opening and a second disk (206) in surface contact with the first disk (205) with at least one further throughflow opening, the second disk (206) is connected to the adjusting means (101) in such a way that the second disc (206) closes the at least one through-flow opening of the first disc (205) in a first position of the adjusting means (101) and that the second disc (206) closes the through-flow opening of the first disc (205) at least partially releases in at least one further position of the actuating means (101).