Modular Regulating Valve With Venturi Flow Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulating valves in fluid-borne systems, such as central heating, face challenges in continuous flow measurement and unambiguous identification, particularly after installation, due to the lack of verified flow measurement and difficulties in identifying specific valve specifications for replacement or regulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular regulating valve design incorporating a differential pressure regulator, venturi, throttle device, and coupling member with snap-action joints, along with pre-settable orifice means and pressure detection, enables continuous flow measurement and unambiguous identification through color coding and RFID tags, allowing for customizable configurations and accurate flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a small data plate is fitted on the valve for identification, then the valve can be identified, but the data plate tends to disappear or become unreadable over time making identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags as electronic copies of valve specification data, replacing physical data plates. The RFID tag stores all relevant valve information (type, serial number, specifications) that can be wirelessly read without physical contact, eliminating the problems of fading, loss, or damage to traditional data plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical data plate system with an electromagnetic RFID identification system. Instead of relying on physical tags that can deteriorate, the system uses electromagnetic fields to store and retrieve valve information, significantly improving reliability and durability.
2Device complexity
If flow measurement is not verified, then the valve can operate without extra measuring equipment, but actual flow cannot be confirmed requiring additional valves or measuring equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow measurement function with the existing valve structure by integrating a venturi and pressure sensors into the valve body. This merging eliminates the need for separate external measuring equipment while providing accurate continuous flow measurement, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve performs its own flow measurement using integrated sensors and processing capabilities. The valve self-monitors its performance by measuring pressure differential across the venturi and calculating flow rate, eliminating the need for external measurement systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different combinations of valve inserts are made, then specific specifications can be achieved, but the number of combinations increases production complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve insert into modular components that can be independently selected and combined. This allows a limited set of standardized modules to create multiple customized valve configurations, reducing the need to manufacture many different complete valve types while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal modular components that can serve multiple functions and be used in various combinations. The standardized modules with interacting joining means can be assembled in different configurations to meet diverse valve specification requirements, simplifying production while maintaining versatility.
4Productivity
If the valve housing is provided with multiple openings in the valve insert, then capacity increases and turbulence reduces, but the valve insert design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning multiple openings at specific locations around the valve insert periphery. Each opening is placed to optimize flow distribution and minimize turbulence, creating localized flow paths that collectively enhance overall valve capacity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 modular design enhances flow regulation accuracy, increases capacity, reduces turbulence, and simplifies identification and replacement of valve components, ensuring precise flow control and cost-effective production using plastic materials.
Implementation Method 1
there is a large pressure drop in the venturi compared with in front of or behind the venturi
Implementation Method 2
a venturi, a throttle device
Implementation Method 3
detection means for detecting either supply pressure or discharge pressure and another pressure, respectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a regulating valve (l)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 (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), where a valve insert (5)with an orifice means (12) is provided in the valve housing (2) by which the flow in the regulating valve can be regulated, and where additionally there are detecting means (6, 7) for detecting either supply pressure or discharge pressure and another pressure, respectively. The regulating valve is provided with a modular valve insert (5)which at least includes a differential pressure regulator (9), a venturi(l?), a throttle device (ll)and a coupling member (13) for an actuator, where the various modules are made with interacting joining means, preferably with snap-action joints. A valve insert (5) 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.