Mounting mechanism for thermostatic devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of IoT control devices, such as thermostatic radiator valves and automatic temperature balanced actuators, into hydronic heating/cooling systems is often difficult and time-consuming due to the need for manual alignment and tightening of mounting rings, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect-disconnect coupling mechanism comprising a male and female section with a locking mechanism using a rotary sleeve and spherical objects, allowing for tool-less and secure attachment and detachment of IoT devices to hydronic systems, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment and tightening of mounting rings is used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into a male section with mounting ring and threads, and a female section with receiver, allowing separate attachment to the hydronic system and IoT device respectively. This segmentation enables independent positioning and simplifies the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring is pre-threaded onto the male section during manufacturing, and the female section is pre-attached to the IoT device. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site threading and alignment adjustments, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If manual tightening of mounting rings is required, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The threading of the mounting ring onto the male section is completed during manufacturing before assembly. This preliminary action transforms a complex manual operation into a simple snap-fit connection, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment through the pre-positioned threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded male section acts as an intermediary between the mounting ring and the IoT device. The pre-threaded design allows the mounting ring to be easily attached to the male section, which in turn connects to the female section, simplifying the overall attachment process while ensuring secure connection.
3Strength
If traditional mounting methods are used, then connection strength is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a male section with pre-threaded mounting ring, and a female section with receiver. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining strong connection through the threaded interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device facilitates connecting an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) and automatic temperature balanced actuator (ABA), to a hydronic heating/cooling system to control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot/cold water through radiator. The mounting devices includes a male section and a female section, which is attached to the IoT device. The mounting device may be installed in two stages. First, a male section is attached to a component of the hydronic heating/cooling system (for example, a valve or manifold) by threading the male section onto the component. Second, a female section, is positioned to male section and locked into place by rotating a rotary sleeve. The female section (with the IoT device) may be easily removed by rotating the rotary sleeve into an unlock position.