Radiator Thermostat Actuator With Motion Storage for Low-Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator thermostats with integrated actuators face challenges in time-controlled adjustments and energy efficiency, as they require frequent energy source replacements due to high energy demands, limiting reliable operation and incurring ecological and economic costs.
Innovation Solution
The radiator thermostat incorporates a movement generator and storage device that utilizes shape-changing expansion bodies to store movement energy, allowing for reliable operation through temperature fluctuations, with optional spring mechanisms and pawls for ratchet-based storage, and an electromagnetically triggered mechanism to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrically operated actuator with a motor is used, then the valve can be adjusted reliably, but high energy consumption requires frequent energy source replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the expansion body (temperature-sensitive element) directly with the actuator mechanism, merging the sensing function and actuation function into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate energy sources by using the thermal energy from the environment itself to drive the valve adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion body serves itself by using the temperature fluctuations of the room to generate the mechanical movement needed for valve adjustment. The system is self-powered, converting ambient thermal energy directly into mechanical work without requiring external energy sources.
2Device complexity
If an expansion element realizes both controller and actuator functions, then device complexity is reduced, but only time-coupled adjustment is possible limiting EDP system control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermostat into distinct functional components: the expansion body (sensing element), the pawl-ratchet mechanism (motion storage and transmission), and the valve actuator. This segmentation allows the expansion body to provide time-coupled control while the ratchet mechanism enables decoupled, on-demand actuation triggered by EDP systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion body performs preliminary action by continuously responding to temperature changes and storing mechanical energy in the ratchet mechanism. This preliminary energy storage enables the system to be ready for immediate EDP-triggered actuation without requiring continuous power supply.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical energy accumulator with bimetallic spiral is used, then the closing element can be actuated independently of thermostatic control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the thermostatic sensing element and the mechanical energy accumulator. The same component that responds to temperature changes also provides the independent actuation capability through its expansion and contraction movements, eliminating the need for separate bimetallic spirals or energy accumulators.
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 reliable and energy-efficient operation of the radiator thermostat, allowing for time-delayed adjustments and extended functionality with minimal energy consumption, reducing the need for frequent energy source replacements and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
The movement generator (4) comprises an expansion body (6), which changes its shape by expanding or contracting at fluctuating room temperatures
Implementation Method 2
The movement storage device (5) is designed as a spring mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the trigger can be designed as a trigger electromagnetically releasing the motion storage device for controlling the valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a radiator thermostat with an actuator for the actuating movement of the valve of a radiator and with a trigger or the like that controls the actuator. To provide a radiator thermostat with which reliable operation of the actuator is possible at all times, the actuator shall comprise a motion generator and at least one motion storage device that initially stores the motion generated by the motion generator in at least one direction of movement. The motion generator shall be an expansion element that changes its shape by expanding or contracting in response to fluctuating room temperatures and has at least one free end. The free end of this expansion element shall interact with the motion storage device(s) to store the motion within the motion storage device itself, even after the expansion element subsequently undergoes a reverse change in shape.