Modular Regulating Valve Insert for Flow Measurement and RFID Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulating valves in fluid-borne systems face challenges in continuous flow measurement and unambiguous identification, particularly after being mounted, due to lack of verification methods and difficulty in identifying specific valve specifications for replacement or regulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular regulating valve design with a differential pressure regulator, venturi, throttle device, and coupling member, using snap-action joints and RFID tags for identification, along with a pre-settable orifice for maximum flow regulation, and venturi openings for high accuracy flow measurement, allowing for customizable and cost-effective production with plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art regulating valves are used with differential pressure regulators and detection means, then pressure measurement is enabled, but continuous flow measurement verification is not available and requires extra equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow measurement function with the existing valve structure by integrating a venturi and detection means into the valve body itself. The venturi is incorporated as part of the valve insert, and pressure detection means are built into the valve housing, eliminating the need for separate external measuring equipment while enabling continuous flow measurement verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural enclosure and as the mounting platform for detection means. The valve insert combines flow regulation elements with measurement elements, creating a multi-functional component that simultaneously regulates flow and measures it, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Loss of information
If small data plates are fitted on regulating valves for identification, then valve specifications are provided, but the plates become unreadable or disappear over time making fault localisation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical data plate system with an electronic identification system using RFID tags. Instead of relying on physical plates that can deteriorate, the RFID tags provide durable, machine-readable identification and specification data that can be remotely accessed without physical contact, eliminating the problems of readability and durability associated with traditional data plates.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular valve inserts with snap-action joints are used, then customizable specifications and cost-effective production are achieved, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve insert is divided into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced separately with standard tolerances, then joined through snap-action joints, reducing the need for high-precision machining across the entire assembly while enabling customization and cost-effective production.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-action joints are designed with specific geometric parameters and tolerances that enable reliable assembly without requiring ultra-precision manufacturing. By optimizing the dimensional parameters of the joining features, the system achieves adequate assembly precision through design rather than through expensive high-precision manufacturing processes.
4Productivity
If multiple openings are provided in the valve insert for improved flow capacity, then turbulence is reduced and capacity increased, but the valve insert design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve insert is designed as a universal component that incorporates multiple openings and flow paths optimized for different flow conditions. This multi-functional design allows a single insert type to handle various flow rates and turbulence requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized insert designs while maintaining high flow capacity and low turbulence across different operating conditions.
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
Enables continuous flow measurement, unambiguous identification, and adaptable capacity regulation, improving accuracy and reducing costs through modular design and electronic tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
the venturi in the valve insert is provided with one or more openings that communicate with detecting means for detecting a fluid pressure. By measuring the pressure at this position and comparing the measured value with a pressure measured at the inlet, a high measuring accuracy is achieved as there is a large pressure drop in the venturi
Implementation Method 2
the valve insert is modular and is thus at least including a differential pressure regulator, a venturi, a throttle device and a coupling member for an actuator, where the various modules are made with interacting joining means, preferably with snap-action joints
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating valve of the type preferably used for dynamic regulation of fluid-borne systems, such as central heating systems in housing and industrial buildings or cooling facilities, where the control valve is provided with a valve housing with an inlet and an outlet, where a valve insert with an orifice is provided in the valve housing by which the flow in the regulating valve can be regulated, and where additionally there are detectors for detecting either supply pressure or discharge pressure and another pressure, respectively. The regulating valve is provided with a modular valve insert which at least includes a differential pressure regulator, a venturi, a throttle device and a coupling member for an actuator, where the various modules have interacting joining means. A valve insert may thus be built up of respective modules, where the modules are selected individually with the most suitable specifications for the individual task. It is thus not required to make as many different combinations of valve inserts since they are combined modularly according to need.