Reversible Valve Presetting for Maximum Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves either lack the ability to adjust maximum flow or cannot reverse flow direction, limiting their functionality and maintenance simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A valve design that incorporates a presetting element allowing independent control of maximum flow and flow direction reversal, ensuring preset settings are maintained during flow direction changes, utilizing a handle and valve top mechanism for rotation and locking to achieve these functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a valve allows flow direction reversal by rotating an insert, then the valve can adapt to different flow directions, but the maximum flow through the valve cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction reversalVSAvoidflow adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The presetting element is designed to perform multiple functions: it adjusts the maximum flow through the valve and simultaneously prevents unwanted rotation of the insert. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating flow adjustment capability into the existing flow reversal mechanism without adding separate complex components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the presetting element with the insert assembly, where the presetting element is received by the insert and rotates together with it. This merging of functions allows the valve to both reverse flow direction and adjust maximum flow through a unified mechanism, avoiding the need for separate adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If a presetting mechanism is added to adjust maximum flow, then the valve can control flow rate, but the valve cannot reverse flow direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum flow controlVSAvoidflow direction reversal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The presetting element serves dual purposes: controlling maximum flow rate and enabling flow direction reversal. When the insert rotates to change flow direction, the presetting element rotates with it, maintaining the flow control setting while adapting to the new direction. This resolves the contradiction by making a single component responsible for both functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The presetting element is designed to be dynamically coupled with the insert, rotating together when the insert changes orientation. This dynamic connection ensures that flow control settings are maintained during flow direction reversal, allowing the valve to adaptively maintain productivity across different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the insert is rotated to reverse flow direction, then the valve adapts to different flow directions, but the presetting may be changed or lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction reversalVSAvoidpresetting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The presetting element is designed with a preliminary engagement mechanism that establishes a stable reference position before rotation occurs. The cut-out geometry is predetermined to engage with the housing at specific positions, ensuring that when rotation happens, the presetting returns to or maintains its intended configuration rather than becoming random or lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interaction between the cut-out in the presetting element and the corresponding feature in the housing provides positional feedback during rotation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the insert and presetting element align correctly after rotation, maintaining the presetting stability while allowing flow direction reversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3193058B1valve
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 DANFOSS AS
  • EP3193058B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193058B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3193058B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2), an insert (3), a valve seat (4), a valve element (5), a first fluid port (6) and a second fluid port (7). The insert (3) can be rotated to reverse the flow direction from the first fluid port (6) through the valve seat (4) to the second fluid port (7). The task of the invention to provide a reversible valve that can be adjusted in terms of flow through the valve. To this end the valve comprises a presetting element (15), that can be adjusted to change the maximum flow through the valve (1).