Integrated Flow Meter Distributor Valve Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributor valves have complex structures with numerous separate components, leading to complicated assembly, high susceptibility to errors, and difficulty in sealing due to multiple housing parts.

Innovation Solution

A distributor valve with an integrated flow measuring unit, where the regulating unit and flow rate indicator are arranged downstream of a single branch in the main pipe, simplifying the structure and assembly by using a one-piece housing design, and incorporating a rotating regulating plug and flow measuring body for precise flow control and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part distributor valve housing with separate first and second housing parts is used, then the flow control and measurement functions can be implemented, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control and measurement functionsVSAvoidstructure and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first housing part and second housing part into a single integrated valve body. The flow control unit and flow measurement unit are combined within this single structure, eliminating the need for separate housing parts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining both flow control and measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the main structural housing, contains the flow control mechanism with regulating spindle, accommodates the flow measurement unit with float indicator, and provides sealing surfaces. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate housing parts are used, then flow control and measurement are possible, but the susceptibility to errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control and measurementVSAvoidsusceptibility to errors
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple separate components into a single integrated valve body, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and connection points where errors can occur. The integrated design minimizes assembly variations and ensures consistent positioning of the flow control and measurement elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple housing parts are used, then flow control and measurement functions are achieved, but sealing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control and measurement functionsVSAvoidsealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of housing parts into a single valve body eliminates the need for seals between separate housing components. The patent only requires sealing at the interface between the regulating spindle and the valve body, and between the flow measurement unit and the valve body, significantly reducing sealing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex multi-component structure is used, then flow control and measurement are implemented, but the assembly process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control and measurementVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple components into a pre-assembled integrated valve body that can be installed as a single unit. The flow control unit and flow measurement unit are already positioned and secured within the valve body during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly of multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplified design reduces assembly complexity, minimizes leakage risks, and enhances sealing, while optimizing flow rates with a streamlined flow path, making the distributor valve easier to install and maintain with reduced pressure loss and susceptibility to contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a flow measuring body (6) with a paddle (6.1), a pointer (6.2) spaced apart from the paddle (6.1) in the axial direction and a rotationally symmetrical disc (6.3) arranged between the paddle (6.1) and the pointer (6.2), which is rotatably mounted in the second housing part (4.3) about a second axis of rotation (x2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow-induced rotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2954240B1Distributor valve having an integrated flow meter unit
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 VIEGA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2954240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2954240B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2954240B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a distributor valve (1) having an integrated flow meter unit, which has a main flow channel (2), through which a medium can flow in a main flow direction (X), and a secondary flow channel (3), which branches off therefrom, and having a distributor valve housing (4) containing: a main pipe (4.1) having a first conduit pipe connection (4.11), a second conduit pipe connection (4.12) and at least one branch (4.13) situated therebetween, the main flow channel (2) running in the main pipe (4.1) from the first conduit pipe connection (4.11) to the second conduit pipe connection (4.12); a first housing part (4.2) for accommodating at least one valve body (5), the branch (4.13) opening into the first housing part (4.2) and forming a fluid connection between the main pipe (4.1) and the first housing part (4.2), and the first housing part (4.2) having an outlet (4.21); and a second housing part (4.3) for accommodating a flow measurement body (6), having the valve body (5), the flow measurement body (6) and a third conduit pipe connection (4.31). To simplify the construction of the distributor valve (1), according to the invention the outlet (4.21) of the first housing part (4.2) opens into the second housing part (4.3) and forms a fluid connection between the first housing part (4.2) and the second housing part (4.3), the second housing part (4.3) has an outlet (4.31) that forms the third conduit pipe connection (4.31), and the secondary flow channel (3) run from the branch (4.13) of the main pipe (4.1) to the outlet (4.31) of the second housing part (4.3).