Differential Pressure Valve Flush Lock for Pressure-Balanced Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure balancing valves in flow systems, such as district heating, lack a shut-off and flushing function, and existing materials may not be sustainable for use with fluids, leading to inefficiencies and potential system assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pressure balancing valve design with a spindle that can be locked in a flushing position to prevent obstruction, allowing for the use of cheaper materials for non-exposed parts, and incorporating a shut-off mechanism and flushing accessory with windings and a blocking mechanism to manage pressure settings and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is designed with a spindle that can be translocated to a flushing position, then the valve enables efficient flushing function and shut-off capability, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for normal valve operation and the flushing mechanism when translocated to the flushing position. This multi-functionality enables the valve to perform shut-off, regulation, and flushing operations without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing function is merged with the existing spindle mechanism rather than being implemented as a separate system. The spindle's ability to be translocated combines the actuating and flushing functions into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity despite adding versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If cheaper materials are used for parts not exposed to fluids, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the reliability may be affected by material suitability
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the valve are made from different materials according to their specific requirements: parts exposed to fluids are made from fluid-sustainable materials, while parts not exposed to fluids can be made from cheaper materials. This localized material selection optimizes both cost and reliability by matching material properties to functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is divided into segments based on fluid exposure: the valve part exposed to fluids and the regulation part not exposed to fluids. This segmentation allows independent material selection for each segment, enabling cost optimization in non-exposed parts while maintaining reliability in fluid-exposed parts.
3Productivity
If the spindle is locked in the flushing position, then the valve cone forms no obstruction to fluid communication, but the valve loses its pressure balancing function
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed to be dynamically positionable between different states: the flushing position for efficient flushing operations and the operational position for pressure balancing function. This dynamic positioning capability allows the valve to adapt between flushing mode and normal operation mode, providing both high flushing efficiency and pressure balancing capability as needed.
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 ensures the valve cone remains unaffected by pressure differences during shut-off and facilitates efficient flushing without affecting the valve's operation, while allowing the use of less expensive materials for non-exposed parts, enhancing system assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane adapted to deflect under the influence of a differential pressure across said membrane
Implementation Method 2
a regulation part comprising a biasing member and setting housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve comprising a valve part comprising; - a valve housing with a flow communication from a fluid inlet to a flow outlet and a valve seat positioned within said flow communication, a valve cone (3) adapted to change position to change the valve opening defined as the opening between the valve seat and valve cone, a membrane adapted to deflect under the influence of a differential pressure across said membrane and means to communicate pressures to the opposing sides of the membrane, -a regulation part comprising a biasing member and setting housing, said regulation part attached to said valve part. - a spindle having a part within the regulation part and a part within the valve part and connected to said valve cone, where the spindle may be translocated to and maintained at an flushing position the valve cone forms no or at least limited obstruction to the fluid communication from fluid inlet to fluid outlet.