Non-return valve, in particular for a refrigeration or heat circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves in refrigeration and heating circuits often introduce additional leakage points and require complex interfaces, which can increase greenhouse gas leakage and complicate installation.
Innovation Solution
A compact, simple check valve design featuring a one-piece or two-part tubular housing with a guide element and force storage element, allowing the valve closing member to be slidably guided and secured without additional connections, ensuring cost-effective production and easy integration into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional two-part check valve with separate housing and connection components is used, then the valve can be assembled from modular parts, but additional interfaces and connection points are created that increase leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing and connection components into a single integrated tubular housing structure. The one-piece or two-part tubular housing eliminates separate connection interfaces by incorporating the connection functionality directly into the housing body, thereby reducing the number of potential leakage points while maintaining modular assembly capabilities through the integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If a complex multi-component check valve design is used, then the valve can provide precise flow control, but the installation complexity and number of additional connection points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated tubular housing structure. The housing integrates flow control passages, connection interfaces, and structural support functions into one unified component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be assembled and connected during installation while maintaining precise flow control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the flow path, creates connection interfaces, and enables mounting options. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining operational precision.
3Reliability
If additional connection points and interfaces are added to the check valve, then the valve can be integrated into complex system configurations, but the leakage risk and greenhouse gas emission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates connection functionality directly into the tubular housing structure, eliminating separate connection points. By merging the housing and connection interfaces into a unified structure with fewer joints and seals, the design reduces the number of potential leakage paths through which greenhouse gases could escape, thereby improving sealing performance and reducing environmental harm.
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 design minimizes leakage points, reduces installation complexity, and enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need for additional interfaces, while maintaining effective flow control and sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a force storage element is provided between the base housing and the valve closing element, coaxial to the guide rod, which positions the valve closing element in a starting position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a non-return valve, in particular for a refrigeration or heat circuit, which valve can be inserted into a connection opening (26, 27, 28, 29) of a connection device (21) or of a pipe (39) and comprises: - a one-part or multi-part housing (42) which comprises at least one main housing (44), a feed opening (48) being provided on the inlet side and a discharge opening (51) being provided on the outlet side of the main housing (44), the feed opening and the discharge opening being interconnected by a flow channel (49); - a guide element (53) which is provided on the main housing (44) and by means of which a valve closing element (61) is guided slidably relative to the main housing (44), the valve closing element (61) being arranged in a starting position (42) by means of an energy accumulator (71) and the valve closing element (61) being slidable toward the discharge opening (51) against an actuating force of the energy accumulator (71) in order to be transferred into a working position (63), and the energy accumulator (71) being provided between the valve closing element (75) and the main housing (44), the guide element (53) of the main housing (44) having at least one through-hole (57) and at least one guide rod (59) being guided in said at least one through-hole (57), which rod at least extends from the valve closing element (61) through the at least one through-hole (57) and is secured against release from the through-hole (57), or the guide element (53) being designed as a sleeve (54) having a bottom (55), which is associated with the discharge opening (51), and the valve closing element (61) having a guide portion (66) which acts on the sleeve (54).