Motor-Integrated Flow Control Valve for Bi-Directional HVAC Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC system valves lack efficient motorized control mechanisms for managing water flow, particularly in bi-directional systems, where precise flow regulation and automatic operation are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A motorized flow control valve design featuring a rotatable disk and a fixed disk within a cylindrical bore, with a motor integrated to rotate the rotatable disk for precise alignment and misalignment to control water flow, allowing for full, partial, or no flow, and utilizing a motor shaft and gear system for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized control mechanism is integrated into the valve body, then automatic operation and precise flow regulation are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the valve body, merging the actuation mechanism with the valve structure. This consolidation achieves automatic operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing the number of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized control mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides both automatic operation for precise flow regulation and can be integrated into existing valve designs. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering enhanced control capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.
2Volume of moving object
If the motor is placed in the flow path within the cylindrical bore, then compact design is achieved, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the cylindrical bore of the valve body, placing it inside the existing flow path structure. This nesting approach achieves a compact design by utilizing the available internal space without increasing the overall valve dimensions, while the motor's integration is designed to minimize disruption to the flow path geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve in which the flow control element includes a fixed disk and a rotatable disk, and a motor operable to rotate the rotatable disk. The motor is disposed in the bore of the valve, aligned with the long axis of the valve body and the axis of rotation of the rotatable disk.