Reversible Valve Handle Locking for Defined Flow Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves used in radiators and heat exchangers face difficulties in ensuring that the insert is fully rotated to the desired position, often resulting in leaky connections or reduced fluid flow due to partial reversal of flow direction.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a handle that can only be displaced into a second axial position when the insert is fully rotated, with circumferential cut-outs and radial fingers ensuring the handle and insert are locked in place, preventing intermediate rotational positions and allowing for clear flow direction definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the insert is made rotatable to reverse flow direction, then the valve can control flow direction between two ports, but the insert may be left in intermediate positions causing leaks or partial blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism transitions from a static on/off state to a dynamic bidirectional control system. The insert can rotate to change flow direction, and the handle moves between axial positions to enable or disable rotation. This dynamic design allows the valve to adapt flow direction while maintaining reliable sealing through positional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where the handle's axial position determines whether the insert can be rotated. When the handle is in the second axial position, it locks the insert in place, providing visual and tactile feedback that the flow direction is fixed. This prevents intermediate positions by making the locking state obvious to the operator.
2Reliability
If the handle is made movable between axial positions to control insert rotation, then the valve can prevent intermediate positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve combines multiple functions into integrated components. The handle serves both as a flow control actuator and as a locking mechanism for the insert. The fingers on the handle engage with cut-outs in the insert, merging the positioning and locking functions into a single operational element, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle performs multiple functions: it controls the valve element position, enables or disables insert rotation, and locks the insert in discrete positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable position control.
3Reliability
If the handle blocks valve attachment connection when not in second axial position, then intermediate positions are prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve requires the handle to be in the correct axial position (second position) before a valve attachment can be connected. This preliminary action ensures that the insert is locked in a valid position before any attachment is made, preventing misconfiguration. The system performs the positioning check in advance, making the operation safer and more reliable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 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 is to provide a valve in which it can be ensured that the insert is not left in an intermediate position but only with a clearly defined flow direction. To this end the valve (1) comprises a handle (8), that in a first axial position (9) can be rotated with the insert (3) to reverse the flow through the valve (1), and in a second axial position (10) blocks the rotation of the insert (3).