Hydronic Supply Manifold with Screw-Driven Slider Valve Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydronic heating or cooling systems require complex and expensive supply manifolds with multiple zone valves, which are actuated by solenoids needing electric wires to travel back and forth, and lack precise and leak-proof valve operation.
Innovation Solution
A supply manifold with a slider driven by a screw drive over a splined rotatable shaft, actuating cross gears on valves, and cone-shaped plugs for secure sealing, allowing for precise quarter-turn valve operation and minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid actuators with electric wires are used for each zone valve, then the valves can be actuated independently, but the manifold becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual solenoid actuators into a single mechanical actuation system. A single motor drives a cam mechanism that sequentially actuates multiple valves through rotating cam lobes, eliminating the need for multiple independent electrical actuators and their associated wiring, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining independent valve control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor-cam assembly serves multiple functions: it provides timed sequential actuation for all valves, maintains valve positioning through cam profile design, and eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each valve. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the manifold structure
2Ease of operation
If conventional solenoid actuators are used, then valve actuation is achieved, but the mechanism requires electric wires to travel back and forth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical actuation system (solenoids with wiring) with a mechanical actuation system. A single motor drives a cam mechanism that mechanically transfers motion to multiple valves through rotating cam lobes and lever arms, eliminating the need for electrical wires to travel to and from each valve location
3Ease of operation
If standard valve plugs are used, then valve operation is achieved, but precise and leak-proof operation is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a conical seating geometry specifically at the valve plug-torpor interface to ensure precise sealing. The conical shape provides a localized high-contact-area sealing surface that concentrates sealing force at the critical closure point, ensuring leak-proof operation while maintaining simple valve body construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the valve plug from cylindrical to conical shape. This geometric modification alters the contact mechanics between the plug and torpor, creating a self-centering effect and distributing sealing pressure more effectively across the sealing surface, thereby achieving precise and reliable leak-proof operation
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
Simplifies the actuation mechanism, reduces complexity and cost, and ensures precise and leak-proof operation of valves in hydronic systems, enhancing control over fluid flow to multiple zones.
Implementation Method 1
a slider driven by a screw drive over a splined rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 2
cone-shaped plugs that diverge in a direction away from the cross gears and which are secured in place by water diverted from the central water passage through the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A manifold has a frame and a plurality of valves supported by the frame, each valve having a cross gear that includes four semicircular recesses and four arms that terminate in pointed tips, and wherein the tips are non-jamming rubber tips. The manifold also has a screw drive and a splined rotatable shaft parallel to the screw drive. The manifold further includes a slider driven by the screw drive over the splined rotatable shaft. The slider includes an actuator that protrudes from the slider to engage one of the cross gears to actuate a respective one of the plurality of valves.