Multifunction valve group
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve assemblies in domestic heating systems are cumbersome to access and maintain, lack flexibility in hydraulic connections, and require multiple versions for different configurations, making them difficult and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function valve assembly with a modular design featuring a hollow main body with multiple openings that can be configured for different connections, including a pleated filter, flow regulator, and balancing valve, allowing for easy inspection and maintenance from either side and adaptable to various hydraulic arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of valve assembly are created for different hydraulic connection configurations, then adaptability to various system layouts is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different hydraulic connection configurations through a standardized main body with multiple openings. The same basic design can be used for various system layouts by selectively connecting different openings, eliminating the need for multiple specialized versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates separable components including a filter element, balancing valve, and flow regulator that can be independently accessed and maintained. The main body is divided into sections that allow selective access to different components from either the front or rear, providing flexibility without requiring multiple design versions.
2Volume of moving object
If access to filter, balancing valve, and flow regulator is from non-frontal directions, then compact design is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly provides dynamic accessibility where the direction of access to maintenance components can be changed based on installation orientation. Components can be accessed from the front, rear, or sides depending on how the valve is installed in the system, allowing compact installation while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Access to maintenance components is provided through multiple spatial dimensions rather than a single direction. The filter, balancing valve, and flow regulator can be accessed from front, rear, or lateral directions, transforming the maintenance access problem from a one-dimensional constraint to a multi-dimensional solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If valve assembly components are fixed in specific positions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses standardized opening positions and connection interfaces that maintain precise manufacturing tolerances while accommodating various hydraulic configurations. The same precisely-manufactured body can serve multiple connection layouts through selective use of standardized ports and adapters.
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 solution enables flexible installation and maintenance without structural changes, reducing manufacturing costs and improving usability by allowing the same assembly to function in multiple configurations with ease, while ensuring efficient heat regulation and metering.
Implementation Method 1
a housing suitable for containing a clogging element with motorized control and opposed by elastic means, the clogging element being able to close, upon command, the outlet duct
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly comprises a pleated filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A multi-function valve assembly (100) that provides at least one filter (240) suitable for being inspected and/or replaced in a direction (J1) transversal to an axis (X) of a duct (202). In addition, the inspection and/or replacement of the filter (240) on the same valve assembly (100) can be carried out according to both a first front view (VIEW A) and a second front view (VIEW B).