Notched Valve Bushing Pre-Setting for Precise Heat Exchanger Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchanger valves face challenges in precisely adjusting pre-setting means to match the throttling resistance of heat exchangers and associated piping, leading to difficulties in ensuring consistent flow of heat-carrying fluid across different installations.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a bushing with multiple notches of varying sizes and extensions, which can be rotated to define specific flow paths through the valve, combined with a conical counter face for tightness, allows for precise pre-setting adjustments by selecting combinations of notches to achieve desired flow rates without increasing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-setting means with a slot in circumferential wall is used, then unlimited angular positions are possible, but precise adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position rangeVSAvoidadjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous slot is segmented into discrete notches of varying sizes. These notches provide specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) that divide the adjustment range into manageable segments, making precise selection easier while maintaining adaptability across the full range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different notches have different sizes and flow characteristics tailored to specific needs. Each notch position offers a locally optimized flow rate, allowing precise matching of throttling resistance requirements without requiring continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple notches of different sizes are provided, then precise pre-setting over large range is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-setting precisionVSAvoidbushing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing with multiple notches serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against the conical counter face, defines flow paths through notches of varying sizes, and enables precise angular positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing surface (conical counter face) and flow control features (notches) are merged into a single bushing component. This integration simplifies assembly and reduces part count compared to having separate sealing elements and flow control elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conical form with conical counter face is used, then tightness is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetightnessVSAvoidconical surface precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conical surfaces provide curved sealing interfaces that distribute contact pressure more evenly than flat surfaces. This curvature allows for effective sealing even with moderate manufacturing tolerances, as the contact area is distributed along the conical surface rather than concentrated at a single line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This solution enables precise control over flow rates, allowing for a wide range of pre-setting options while maintaining tightness and minimizing throttling resistance, facilitating easier installation and adjustment with haptic feedback for accurate positioning.

Implementation Method 1

the bushing has a conical form cooperating with a conical counter face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConical form cooperation:

Implementation Method 2

The groove forms a flow path for the fluid passing through the notch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow path formation:

Data Source

PatentEP4137721B1Heat exchanger valve

Publication Date: 2024.04.17 DANFOSS AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5e

AI summary

Heat exchanger valve comprising a housing (2) having an inlet, an outlet a valve seat (5) on a valve seat member (24) between inlet and outlet, a valve element cooperating with the valve seat (5) and having a valve element axis, and presetting means having a bushing (9) which is rotatable around the valve element axis and comprises an opening arrangement cooperating with a counter passage in the housing (2), wherein in the region of the opening arrangement the bushing (9) has a conical form cooperating with a conical counter face (13) and a distance is provided between the bushing (9) and the valve seat member (24). Such a heat exchanger valve should allow a precise pre-setting over a large range. To this end the bushing (9) comprises at least two notches (14) in an edge (10) facing the valve element member (24), each of the notches (14) forming an opening (25).