Integrated Sensor Angle Ball Valve for Low-Pressure-Loss HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to friction and pressure loss caused by the placement of valves, meters, and fittings within air ducts, making maintenance difficult and increasing energy consumption, especially in compact designs like vertical fan units where components interfere with air flow.
Innovation Solution
An angle ball valve design with a temperature sensor integrated in a side-mounted configuration, featuring a hollow ball with a second sensor orifice and a stem orifice that allows for temperature measurement without compromising the ball's rotation, using PTFE gaskets for reduced friction and improved sealing, and an optional electric actuator for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If valves, meters, and fittings are placed within air ducts to enable compact HVAC system design, then the system footprint is reduced, but air friction and pressure loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor with the ball valve body, creating an integrated component that eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting within the air duct. This merging reduces the number of components occupying space in the air flow path while maintaining temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve is designed to perform multiple functions: flow control through ball rotation and temperature sensing through the integrated sensor. This multi-functionality allows the single component to replace what would traditionally require separate valves and sensors, reducing overall system footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are placed within air ducts to enable metering and control, then system functionality is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the temperature sensor directly into the ball valve body, the patent reduces the total number of separate components that would require individual maintenance. The integrated design means fewer connection points and sealing surfaces that could fail, simplifying maintenance procedures
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into ball valves using conventional straight through flow designs, then temperature measurement is enabled, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional straight-through flow design to an angle ball valve configuration where the sensor can be mounted on the side of the valve body. This dimensional change in the flow path allows the sensor to extend perpendicular to the main flow direction, enabling temperature measurement without increasing the inline footprint of the valve
4Volume of moving object
If ball valves are designed with integrated sensors in angled configurations, then device footprint is reduced, but sensor interference with ball rotation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned and oriented in a specific location and direction on the ball valve body where it does not interfere with the rotational path of the ball. The local placement of the sensor away from the critical rotation zone maintains reliable valve operation while enabling temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An angle ball valve includes a housing, valve chamber, and first and second fluid ports. A hollow ball is disposed within the valve chamber and in abutment to sealing elements, and includes a first surface opening and second surface opening and is rotatable within the valve chamber about an axis of ball rotation between open and closed ball valve positions. A first sensor orifice is formed within the valve housing coaxial with the axis of ball rotation and receives a sensor, which extends into a second sensor orifice of the ball. A valve stem is operatively connected to the ball and extends along the axis of ball rotation opposite the first sensor orifice. The valve stem rotates the ball into and out of open and closed ball valve positions.