Heat pump with a lockable hydraulic circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face challenges due to bulky flow components that require significant space, compromise process reliability, are difficult to replace, and pose installation risks.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the shut-off valve and flow sensor into a common base body within the heat pump's hydraulic circuit, reducing space requirements, enhancing reliability, and simplifying replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate flow components (shut-off valve and flow sensor) are used with connectors, then the system can be assembled with standard components, but the space requirement increases and assembly becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off valve and flow sensor into a single integrated flow component assembly. The flow sensor is positioned directly on the valve body, eliminating the need for separate connectors and mounting brackets. This merging reduces the overall space occupation while maintaining the functional independence and compatibility of both components.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components and connectors are used, then the system can be assembled with standard parts, but process reliability is compromised due to more connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of flow sensor and shut-off valve into a single assembly reduces the number of connectors and sealing points. Fewer connection interfaces mean fewer potential failure points for leaks or connection failures, thereby improving process reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow sensor from its traditional separate mounting position and integrates it directly onto the valve body. This extraction of the sensor from separate mounting requirements eliminates additional connection points and seals, reducing leakage risks and improving reliability.
3Strength
If bulky flow components are used, then the components are structurally robust, but they require significant space and are difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the flow sensor and shut-off valve into a single compact assembly, the patent creates a structurally robust unit that occupies less space. The integrated design maintains strength through unified construction while improving replaceability as a single modular unit, reducing the complexity of replacement procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then the system can be assembled with standard connectors, but installation safety is reduced due to more potential leak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow sensor and shut-off valve into a single integrated component, thereby reducing the total number of connectors and sealing interfaces in the hydraulic circuit. This consolidation directly reduces the number of potential leak points, improving installation safety while maintaining assembly simplicity through the modular nature of the integrated unit.
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
This integration results in reduced space needs, improved process reliability, easier maintenance, and lower personnel costs, while also enhancing installation safety and reducing overall throughput time.
Implementation Method 1
The flow sensor or other devices are designed to detect the gas saturation of the heating water in the hydraulic circuit and provide a corresponding signal
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic circuit is blocked by the shut-off valve based on the signal provided, preventing heating water from entering the building heated by the heat pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump having a hydraulic circuit comprising a flow line, a condenser and a return line, wherein components of the flow line contain a shut-off valve and a flow sensor, wherein the shut-off valve and the flow sensor are integrated into a common base body (10) through which the fluid of the hydraulic circuit flows and which has connecting parts (19, 20) to further components of the flow line.