Radiator Valve Reference Seat for Precise Closure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator valves face challenges in accurately detecting the closure point due to the use of soft materials that deform over time, affecting regulation precision, especially under limited power conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a valve seat arrangement with at least two valve seats, including a harder reference valve seat and a softer valve seat, where the valve element can contact both, allowing for precise detection of the closure point using an actuator like an electric motor, which detects the sudden increase in current consumption when the valve element contacts the reference seat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a soft material (e.g., rubber) is used for the valve element contact surface, then the valve can achieve tight closure, but the material deforms over time causing loss of regulation precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure tightnessVSAvoidregulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The valve seat is divided into two distinct parts: a first valve seat made of soft material for tight closure, and a second valve seat made of hard material for precise detection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without the drawbacks of using a single material for both purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the valve system are assigned different material properties: the first valve seat uses soft material where sealing is critical, while the second valve seat uses hard material where dimensional stability and detection precision are critical. Each location has optimized quality characteristics for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If unlimited power is available to squeeze the rubber on the valve seat, then closure point detection accuracy improves, but this creates long-term deformation problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure point detection accuracyVSAvoidlong-term stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using the same soft valve seat for both closure and detection, a second valve seat is created as a reference copy with different material properties (hard material). This reference valve seat provides a stable, non-deforming surface for precise detection without requiring excessive compression forces that would deform the primary soft valve seat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If a single valve seat is used for both regulation and full closure, then the device structure is simplified, but the closure point detection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve seat structureVSAvoidclosure point detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single valve seat is segmented into two distinct valve seats: a first valve seat for regulation function and a second reference valve seat for closure detection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each seat to be optimized for its specific function, with the hard second seat providing precise detection reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the valve element uses compressible material for closure, then sealing performance improves, but the compression of the material makes exact detection of the closing point difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidclosing point detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A second reference valve seat made of hard material is introduced as an intermediary reference surface. This reference seat does not require compression for detection, providing a stable reference point that allows indirect detection of the closure point without compressing the soft valve element material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate detection of the closure point, maintaining regulation precision without deforming materials, and allows for efficient control of fluid flow in radiator valves, even under battery-powered conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detecting means are provided for detecting a position of the valve element... detect means detecting a contact between the valve element and the reference valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact force detection: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2975307B1Valve, in particular radiator valve

Publication Date: 2016.05.18 DANFOSS AS

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Figure 4a~4c
Figure 5a~5c

AI summary

A valve, in particular a radiator valve is provided comprising a housing (2), and inlet (3), an outlet (4), a valve seat arrangement (5, 6) between said inlet (3) and said outlet (4), and a valve element (7) movable relatively to said valve seat arrangement (5, 6), wherein detecting means (A) are provided for detecting a position of said valve element (7). In such a valve the closure point should be found in a simple way. To this end said valve seat arrangement (5, 6) comprises a first valve seat (5) and a second valve seat (6), at least one of said first valve seat (5) and said second valve seat (6) forming a reference valve seat, said valve element (7) being movable to contact at least said reference valve seat.