Regulation Valve Thermo Element Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulation valves in drinking water circulation systems fail to accurately regulate flow rates at high temperatures, requiring precise control of liquid medium flow based on temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a regulation valve with a thermo element and spring elements that adjust the valve plunger's position in response to temperature changes, ensuring accurate low flow rates at high temperatures by positioning the valve in a calibration bath and allowing relative movement between the valve body and plunger to contact the valve seat, thereby controlling the flow through large and small openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the valve plunger is pressed against the valve seat to provide accurate low flow rate at high temperatures, then the flow rate regulation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional calibration steps and tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-calibrated during manufacturing by positioning the valve plunger against the valve seat at defined temperatures to establish accurate flow rates. This preliminary action ensures that when the valve is installed and operated, the flow rate regulation is already optimized without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process involves changing the temperature parameter to simulate different operating conditions. By calibrating at multiple defined temperatures, the valve is optimized to maintain accurate flow rate regulation across the full temperature range, particularly ensuring precise low flow rates at high temperatures.
2Measurement precision
If the valve design relies on multiple tolerance specifications to ensure accurate flow rates, then the flow rate accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on tight manufacturing tolerances for multiple components, the invention performs a preliminary calibration action during manufacturing where the valve plunger is positioned against the valve seat at defined temperatures. This single calibration step establishes the accurate flow rates without requiring extremely tight tolerances on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process allows the valve to self-adjust and establish its own operational parameters. By positioning the valve plunger against the valve seat during calibration, the system automatically determines the correct positioning and flow characteristics, reducing the need for precise pre-manufacturing of individual components to tight tolerances.
3Speed
If the thermo element is positioned directly in the liquid medium flow, then the temperature response speed is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential clogging or contamination at the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-calibrated with the valve plunger positioned against the valve seat at defined temperatures. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the valve operates, the valve seat remains reliably sealed even with the thermo element exposed to the liquid medium, preventing clogging or contamination issues.
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 method provides precise and accurate regulation of flow rates, ensuring a reliable minimum flow rate at high temperatures without relying on other tolerances, allowing quick reaction to temperature changes and simplifying the valve design.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element being positioned between the valve body and the valve plunger, whereby said valve body provides a valve seat for said valve plunger and whereby said first spring element provides a first spring force which tends to lift up said valve plunger from said valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a thermo element being positioned directly in the flow of the liquid medium and carrying said valve plunger, said thermo element provides a thermo element force acting on the valve plunger depending on the temperature of the liquid medium within the valve housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Regulation valve (10) Regulation valve for a liquid medium like water, especially for drinking water, comprising: a valve housing (11) providing a valve inlet chamber (12) and a valve outlet chamber (13); a valve insert being positioned within said valve housing (11), said valve insert comprising a valve body (18), a valve plunger (19) and a first spring element (20) being positioned between the valve body (18) and the valve plunger (19), whereby said valve body (18) provides a valve seat (21) for said valve plunger (19) and whereby said first spring element (20) provides a first spring force which tends to lift up said valve plunger (19) from said valve seat (21); a thermo element (22) being positioned directly in the flow of the liquid medium and carrying said valve plunger (19), said thermo element (22) provides a thermo element force acting on the valve plunger (19) depending on the temperature of the liquid medium within the valve housing (11), whereby said thermo element force provided by said thermo element (22) is acting against the first spring force provided by said first spring element and thereby tends to press said valve plunger (19) against said valve seat (21); a mounting support (14) carrying said thermo element (22), whereby a subassembly comprising said mounting support (14), said thermo element (22) and said valve plunger (19) is mounted within an opening (15) of said valve housing (11) by a pressed connection between said mounting support (14) and said valve housing (11).