Arrangement with valve and actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiator and distributor valves in heating systems are prone to malfunctions after prolonged non-operation due to stuck closing springs, are bulky and expensive, and lack manual operation capabilities for testing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a one-part or multi-part housing and a separate setting unit that penetrates the housing to regulate flow, using hydraulically, pneumatically, or mechanically generated closing forces to open the valve gap, allowing for reduced actuator size and improved operational safety, with manual actuation options and interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional control heads or actuators are used with closing springs, then the valve can be automatically closed when no heat input is required, but the valve is prone to malfunctions after prolonged non-operation due to stuck closing springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the closing spring from the actuator structure entirely. Instead of using a spring-based closing mechanism, the valve is designed to remain closed by default and opens only when an actuator actively applies force. This extraction of the spring component eliminates the malfunction issue while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional design uses a spring to close the valve and requires active force to open it. This patent inverts the logic: the valve remains closed by default (no spring force needed) and opens only when an actuator actively pushes the valve stem. This inversion eliminates the reliability issue with prolonged non-operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional actuators with closing springs are used, then automatic temperature-controlled valve operation is achieved, but the actuators are bulky and increase the space requirement of manifolds
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the closing spring and associated mechanical components from the actuator, the overall size and volume of the actuator are significantly reduced. The actuator only needs to provide opening force, not both opening and closing forces, allowing for a more compact design that reduces manifold space requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional valves with closing springs are used, then automatic closing function is provided, but the valves are expensive to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Removing the closing spring and complex mechanical closing mechanism reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. Fewer parts mean lower manufacturing costs and simpler maintenance procedures, while the automatic closing function is achieved through the default closed position design.
4Productivity
If traditional valves are used, then flow regulation is achieved, but manual operation capability for testing purposes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates both automatic actuation capability and manual operation capability through the same valve stem mechanism. The valve stem can be actuated by an actuator for automated flow regulation or manually for testing and maintenance purposes, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate mechanisms.
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 solution ensures reliable operation after long periods of inactivity, reduces actuator size and cost, and allows for manual testing, enhancing operational safety and simplifying maintenance by enabling direct actuation and easy component exchange.
Implementation Method 1
using hydraulically, pneumatically, or mechanically generated closing forces to open the valve gap
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulically, pneumatically, or mechanically generated closing forces to open the valve gap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve for use in a heating or cooling water circuit, comprising a housing (1, 16) that forms a feed line (ZL) and a discharge line (AL), and an adjusting unit (3) that is separate from the housing (1, 16) and penetrates into the housing (1, 16) so as to adjust a flow rate through the valve. The adjusting unit (3) includes a valve closing body (4, 4a) which is operatively connected to a valve tappet (5) in such a way that the valve closing body forms a valve gap (7) along with a valve seat body (6) that is stationary in relation to the housing (1, 16), said valve gap (7) being adjustable by moving the valve tappet (5). According to the invention, the valve is designed such that the valve gap (7) is closed by closing forces during normal operation when the valve tappet (5) is not actuated, and said closing forces have to be overcome when the valve tappet (5) is actuated in order to open the valve gap (7). Valves of said type as per the invention make it possible to develop valve actuating actuators which dispense with the need for a closing spring and which allow the valve tappet to be actuated directly by the active driving element of the actuator. This allows for a significant reduction in the size of the actuators and for a significant increase in the available actuation force, thus substantially improving operational reliability, especially following an extended downtime of the heating system during which the valve is closed.