Quick-Connect Mounting Mechanism for Thermostatic Radiator Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installation of thermostatic devices such as TRVs and ABAs to hydronic heating/cooling systems is 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 latching mechanism, allowing secure attachment and detachment of thermostatic devices to hydronic systems without tools, using a slide sleeve and spring mechanism to lock and unlock the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment and tightening of mounting rings is used, then secure attachment of thermostatic devices is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into a male section with mounting threads and a female section with latching mechanism, allowing separate functions to be performed independently. The male section attaches to the valve body while the female section secures the thermostatic device, enabling streamlined installation without complex manual alignment and tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is pre-configured in the female section to automatically engage with the male section during installation. The spring-loaded latches are positioned to snap into place as the components are assembled, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tightening operations while ensuring secure attachment.
2Strength
If manual tightening of mounting rings is used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation becomes difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism performs the securing function automatically through spring-loaded latches that engage with the male section during assembly. The mechanism self-secures the connection without requiring manual tightening operations, making installation easy even in confined spaces where manual tools cannot reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical tightening system (mounting rings requiring manual or tool-based tightening) is replaced with an automatic latching mechanism. The spring-loaded latches provide secure mechanical engagement without requiring manual intervention, substituting complex mechanical tightening with a simpler automatic locking system.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting rings are used, then attachment is achieved, but installation cost increases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism separates the attachment function (male section with threads) from the securing function (female section with latches), allowing each to be optimized independently. This segmentation enables rapid assembly through automatic latching while maintaining reliable attachment, significantly improving installation efficiency compared to traditional mounting rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism changes the operational parameters from manual tightening (time-intensive) to automatic latching (rapid engagement). The spring-loaded latches engage in a single motion during assembly, transforming the installation process from a multi-step manual operation to a quick automatic securing action, thereby improving productivity while maintaining attachment reliability.
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
Facilitates easy, tool-free installation and secure attachment of thermostatic devices to hydronic systems, reducing installation time and cost by enabling quick and efficient connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the retention mechanism maintaining the apparatus in the lock state by generating a downward force on the latching mechanism
Data Source
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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 releasing a sliding sleeve. The female section (with the IoT device) may be easily removed by retracting the sliding sleeve.