Hydronic Control Valve with Sensor-Based Flow Rate Measurement

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated sensor-based system. A sensor detects the axial distance between the hand wheel and static part, automatically determining flow rate without operator intervention or mechanical tolerance accumulation. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated sensing resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision while keeping device complexity manageable through electronic rather than mechanical complexity.

The control valve performs self-measurement of flow rate through integrated sensors and processing. The valve automatically determines its own flow rate by sensing hand wheel position and pressure differential, eliminating the need for external operators and datasheets. This self-service capability improves measurement precision while the integration within the existing valve structure prevents excessive increase in device complexity.

The sensor system serves multiple functions: it measures hand wheel position, determines valve opening degree, calculates flow rate, and potentially provides diagnostic information. By making the measurement system multi-functional, the patent justifies the added complexity through enhanced capabilities beyond simple flow rate measurement, resolving the contradiction between precision improvement and complexity increase.

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that translates raw sensor data (axial distance measurements) into meaningful flow rate information. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by providing a clear data processing architecture that bridges the gap between simple sensor outputs and complex flow rate calculations, making the overall system more manageable despite increased complexity.

The patent replaces mechanical measurement of hand wheel position with optical or electromagnetic sensing. Instead of relying on mechanical gear teeth and scales that accumulate tolerance errors, the system uses non-contact sensors to detect hand wheel position, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving the mechanical hand wheel for ease of operation.

The patent separates the operation function from the measurement function. The mechanical hand wheel remains for ease of operation, while a separate sensor system independently measures position without being affected by mechanical tolerances. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its primary function without compromise.