Integrated Actuator Mixing Valve to Reduce Installation Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling installation mixing devices require complex assembly efforts due to the need for hydraulic and electrical connections, and often lack integrated control systems, making them difficult to integrate into various installation setups.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a valve housing and a movable valve element, where all essential components except the control device are integrated into a construction unit, including a drive, internal control device, and sensors, allowing for simplified installation and control through wireless communication interfaces, reducing the need for additional wiring and external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mixing device with separate control module and valve is used, then the control function can be independently adjusted, but the assembly effort and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control module, drive mechanism, and mixing valve into a single integrated actuator unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate control modules and reduces the number of electrical and hydraulic connections required during installation, directly addressing the contradiction by maintaining independent control capability while significantly reducing assembly effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains the control electronics, the drive mechanism for valve actuation, and the valve body itself. This multi-functionality allows the single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing installation complexity while preserving full control functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for mixing control, then each component can be optimized independently, but the number of electrical and hydraulic connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control electronics, drive mechanism, and valve body into a single integrated actuator, the patent dramatically reduces the number of electrical connections and hydraulic fittings required. The control module is internally connected to the drive mechanism, eliminating external wiring, and the valve is internally integrated, reducing hydraulic connection points.
3Ease of manufacture
If an integrated construction unit is used, then installation effort is reduced, but the device may become less adaptable to different installation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator is designed with universal mounting features and standardized connection interfaces that allow it to be adapted to various installation scenarios. The single-component design maintains versatility through standardized interfaces rather than reducing it, enabling easy integration into different heating and cooling system configurations.
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 assembly and operation of heating and cooling installations by integrating all necessary components into a single unit, reducing installation efforts and allowing for efficient temperature control and fluid mixing/division without the need for extensive electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a drive for moving the valve element is arranged on the valve housing
Implementation Method 2
The valve element is thus designed and arranged such that it varies the ratio of the cross sections of both flow paths to one another due to its movement or displacement. The flow in the two flow paths can be reciprocally changed in this manner
Implementation Method 3
The internal control device serves for the position control or position closed-loop control of the valve element
Data Source
AI summary
A heating installation or cooling installation mixing device has a valve housing (14) including a first flow path from a first connection (A-B) to a second connection (A), and a second flow path from the first connection (A-B) to a third connection (B). A movable valve element (24), arranged inside the valve housing (14) in the flow paths, is configured to vary a ratio of cross sections of the flow paths. A valve element drive (36) is arranged on the valve housing (14) and includes an internal control device (38) for movement control of the drive (36) and includes a first communication interface (44) for external control device (40) communication and a second communication interface (46). An internal sensor (48, 50) is arranged in or on the valve housing (14) and is connected to the first communication interface (44) for transmitting a sensor signal to the external control device (40).