Pressure equalising insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Valves for HVAC systems with multiple valve devices are complex and expensive to produce, requiring advanced manufacturing processes and specialized tools, which increases their cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A pressure equalization insert with a housing and an adjusting body that interacts with a valve seat based on pressure differences, allowing for efficient pressure compensation and fluid flow regulation, designed to be prefabricated and easily integrated into HVAC valves, featuring a membrane and spring mechanism for displacement and sealing elements for reduced contamination and damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple valve devices are combined in a single valve for HVAC systems, then pressure compensation and fluid flow regulation are achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure compensationVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a pressure equalization insert with a valve body into a single integrated valve device. The pressure equalization insert is inserted into a receiving space within the valve body, merging two previously separate components (pressure equalization mechanism and valve body) into one unified structure. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining both pressure compensation and fluid flow regulation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the valve body provides fluid flow regulation through its valve element, while the pressure equalization insert provides pressure compensation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pressure equalization devices, reducing device complexity while achieving reliable pressure compensation and flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple valve devices are combined in a single valve for HVAC systems, then pressure compensation and fluid flow regulation are achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure compensationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into modular components: a standard valve body and a separate pressure equalization insert that can be manufactured independently using different production processes. The insert is then inserted into the valve body during final assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements, reducing overall production cost while ensuring reliable pressure compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure equalization insert is pre-assembled as a complete functional unit before being integrated into the valve body. This preliminary assembly allows for specialized manufacturing techniques to be applied to the insert alone, and simplifies the final valve assembly process, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining pressure compensation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a pressure equalization insert is inserted into a valve body, then manufacturing is simplified and costs are reduced, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure equalization insert is nested within a receiving space in the valve body, creating a protected internal environment. The insert is surrounded by the valve body structure which acts as a barrier, protecting the insert from external contamination while allowing the simplified manufacturing process to be implemented. The nested configuration maintains manufacturing advantages while mitigating contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of manufacture

If a pressure equalization insert is inserted into a valve body, then manufacturing is simplified, but operational sensitivity to inlet pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidpressure sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure equalization insert acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inlet pressure source and the valve element. It provides pressure equalization that mediates the effect of inlet pressure variations, reducing operational sensitivity. The insert's pressure equalization function compensates for inlet pressure changes, allowing the valve to operate more stably despite manufacturing simplifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 pressure equalization insert simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and enhances the durability and longevity of HVAC valves by providing robust pressure compensation and fluid flow regulation, while minimizing contamination risks and operational sensitivity to inlet pressure.

Implementation Method 1

an adjusting body (3) which is set up to at least partially guide the fluid flow regulated by the valve and with the pressure equalization insert installed interacting with a valve seat (15) depending on a pressure difference prevailing in the fluid flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The adjusting body is held displaceably by a membrane (6), with the membrane dividing a cavity of the housing (2) into an inside fluid area P22 and an outside associated fluid area P23

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3008537B1Pressure equalising insert
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 BELIMO HOLDING AG
  • EP3008537B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3008537B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3008537B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressure equalising insert (1) which is provided for installation in a valve (10) for regulating a fluid stream in particular in a HVAC system. The pressure equalising insert (1) comprises a housing (2) having an actuating member (3) which is movably mounted thereon and is configured to at least partially guide the fluid stream regulated by the valve (10) and, when the pressure equalising insert (1) is installed, co-operates with a valve seat (15) depending upon a pressure difference prevailing in the fluid stream in order to regulate the fluid stream. The invention further relates to a valve (10) having an installed pressure equalising insert (1), wherein the pressure equalising insert (1) can be inserted in particular as a pre-assembled assembly into the valve (10).