Heating element valve head, heating control system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating element valve control systems face challenges with inaccurate temperature measurement due to air gaps and complex installations, leading to inefficiencies and potential leakage, especially in public areas.
Innovation Solution
A heating element valve head with a movable metallic casing containing a temperature sensor that directly contacts the nut for precise temperature measurement, integrated with a gear mechanism, power source, and contactless communication, allowing for easy installation and accurate data transmission to a superior control center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are connected to pipes with cable lines, then temperature measurement is possible, but installation requires professional experience and cables are prone to damage and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement function is extracted from the pipe connection and integrated into the valve head assembly. The sensor is mounted on the valve body surface, eliminating the need for separate cable connections to pipes while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves as an intermediary thermal conductor between the heat transfer medium and the temperature sensor. The sensor measures the valve body temperature, which indirectly reflects the heat transfer medium temperature, eliminating direct sensor-to-pipe connection requirements.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed in inaccessible places, then accurate temperature measurement is achieved, but quick installation of the head is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body itself serves as the mounting surface for the temperature sensor, providing both the measurement location and the mounting structure. The sensor is positioned to contact the valve body surface, utilizing the existing valve structure for both measurement and installation purposes.
3Device complexity
If sensors are placed directly in the heat transfer medium line, then temperature measurement is simplified, but installation is difficult and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body acts as a thermal intermediary between the heat transfer medium and the temperature sensor. The sensor measures the valve body temperature rather than direct contact with the heat transfer medium, eliminating leakage risks while maintaining temperature measurement capability through thermal conduction.
4Measurement precision
If three temperature sensors are used at different distances from the valve connection zone, then temperature gradient calculation is possible, but the system becomes complicated and burdened with measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature gradient measurement function is extracted and simplified to a single sensor mounted on the valve body surface. This single sensor provides sufficient temperature information for control purposes without the complexity of multiple sensors and gradient calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body surface itself provides the optimal measurement location for the temperature sensor. The sensor mounted on the valve body directly contacts the thermal mass that reflects the heat transfer medium temperature, providing accurate measurement without requiring multiple sensors or complex positioning.
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 precise temperature measurement and hydraulic balancing, reducing installation complexity, enhancing thermal comfort, and detecting unauthorized manipulation while optimizing energy usage and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The casing is preferably metallic or at least partially metallic or including at least one metal surface for the contact with the nut. The metal surface of the casing is advantageous not only because of good heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The head (1) of the heating element valve, in addition to the components necessary for creating the movement of the pusher element, also includes a casing (4) with a temperature sensor, where the casing (4) is movably mounted within the head (1), for example on the rear wall of the body (2), while the casing (4) is pressed against the surface of the nut (3) and is made of metal for good heat conduction and ensuring low friction between the nut (3) and the casing (4). The temperature sensor inside the casing (4) is connected by a wire or a cable to the control circuit and/or to a contactless communication element. It is advantageous if the casing (4) is permanently pressed against the nut (3) by means of a spring (5) and/or by means of deformation of the flexible plastic holder in which the casing (4) is mounted, or by means of deformation of the stop of the circumferential collar. The valve temperature data can be used to optimize the course of movement of the pusher element. The superior control center (8) is able to evaluate the dynamics of temperature changes on the valves, which will allow for optimizing flow rates in various branches, for example to compensate for hydraulic imbalance in the system.