Radiator Valve Insert with Rotatable Flow Direction Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator valve inserts cannot dynamically change the flow direction between heating elements during operation without complex assembly processes, limiting flexibility and comfort in heating distribution.

Innovation Solution

A valve insert with integrated devices for adjusting flow direction and presetting flow rate, allowing external operation to change flow direction while maintaining flow rate, using gearing and operational elements to couple these functions for seamless adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the valve insert uses fixed flow directions permanently assigned to heating elements, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different installation configurations (left or right hinged radiators) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to installation variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve insert incorporates a rotatable flow medium that can be dynamically adjusted between different angular positions (0° and 180°) to change flow directions. This dynamic element allows the same valve insert to adapt to both left-hinged and right-hinged radiator configurations, eliminating the need for different fixed-configuration valve inserts for each installation variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve insert is designed with universal functionality by integrating a rotatable flow medium that can serve multiple installation configurations. A single valve insert design can be used for both left-hinged and right-hinged radiators, as the flow medium can be rotated to direct flow appropriately for either configuration, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flow direction is changed by loosening and retightening the valve insert, then the adaptability to different heating element configurations is achieved, but the loss of time during installation and operation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction adjustabilityVSAvoidinstallation and adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve insert features a rotatable flow medium that can be adjusted dynamically during operation without requiring disassembly. The flow medium can be rotated between 0° and 180° positions while the valve insert remains tightly installed, allowing quick adaptation to different heating element configurations without the time-consuming process of loosening and retightening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve insert is pre-designed with a rotatable flow medium mechanism that enables future adjustments without disassembly. This preliminary design feature anticipates the need for flow direction changes and provides a built-in mechanism that allows such changes to be made quickly during operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming reinstallation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the valve insert integrates both flow rate presetting and flow direction adjustment functions, then the device complexity increases, but the ease of operation is improved by allowing external adjustment during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidvalve insert structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve insert merges two previously separate functions (flow rate presetting and flow direction adjustment) into a single integrated component. The rotatable flow medium is combined with the flow rate presetting mechanism within the same valve insert body, allowing both functions to be adjusted externally during operation without requiring separate components or complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve insert is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides flow rate presetting and flow direction adjustment capabilities. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing the overall system complexity despite the increased operational flexibility, as users can adjust both flow rate and direction from the same external interface.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3217103B1Valve insert for a radiator valve and radiator having radiator valve
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 F W OVENTROP KG
  • EP3217103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3217103B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3217103B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve insert (1) for a radiator valve (2) for controlling the flow rate of a heating medium and/or for regulating the flow rate of a heating medium, which has a presetting device (9) by means of which the flow rate can be throttled to a value to be specified, and which is positioned with an inflow and outflow opening (14, 22) in a radiator valve (2) in such a way that the flow rate (6) supplied to the radiator (3) is divided in any ratio between at least two heating elements (4, 5) of the radiator and/or optionally the flow rate (6) flows into one or the other heating element (4, 5), with a device (8) for adjusting the direction of flow of the flow rate (6) being integrated into the valve insert (1), which is is accessible and operable from the outside and allows a direct change in the direction of flow (7) of the flow rate (6) coming from the valve insert (1).