Shape-Memory Valve Cartridge for Low-Temperature Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic control devices for heating systems are limited in flexibility, particularly in multi-family houses where heating systems need to be adaptable during construction or retrofitting, and they are not suitable for surface heating applications without significant structural changes.
Innovation Solution
A valve element with a thermal actuator that allows temperature-dependent control of mass flow, designed as a cartridge for easy integration into existing thermostatic control devices, enabling low-temperature regulation for surface heating systems without altering the device's structure, and allowing for flexible adaptation and retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve elements are used in existing thermostatic control devices, then the device structure remains unchanged, but the system cannot be adapted for surface heating applications or flexible temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed with a universal structure that can function in both radiator heating and surface heating applications. The thermal actuator responds to temperature changes regardless of the heating system type, and the valve body can be integrated into existing thermostatic control devices without requiring fundamental structural changes, thus achieving multi-functionality across different heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the thermal actuator material (shape memory alloy) that responds to temperature variations. By changing the thermal parameters and actuation characteristics of the valve element, it can adapt to different heating system requirements (radiator vs. surface heating) while maintaining the same basic device structure, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If valve elements are gradually inserted into the housing section, then assembly is simplified, but the valve element cannot be easily replaced or adapted for retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed as a segmented, modular cartridge that can be easily inserted and removed as a complete unit. The valve body, thermal actuator, and valve closing member are pre-assembled as an integrated cartridge that fits into the housing section, allowing for simple installation during manufacturing and easy replacement during retrofitting or repair without complex disassembly procedures.
3Reliability
If wax expansion elements are used for temperature control, then the valve can respond to temperature changes, but the response is sluggish and not suitable for precise low-temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the slow-responding wax expansion mechanism with a thermal actuator made of shape memory alloy. This new actuating mechanism responds much faster to temperature changes and provides more precise control, making it suitable for low-temperature regulation in surface heating systems while maintaining reliable temperature control.
4Temperature
If return temperature limiting valves are used downstream of underfloor heating, then return temperature can be limited, but the system cannot provide flexibility for different room heating requirements or early construction phase planning
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be installed during the construction phase, allowing preliminary action in setting up the heating system infrastructure. The universal design enables early installation of the control mechanism while maintaining flexibility for later determination of specific room heating requirements, whether radiator or surface heating, without requiring system changes.
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
Enables flexible temperature control and hydraulic balancing in heating systems, allowing for the conversion from radiator heating to surface heating without structural changes, simplifying installation and retrofitting processes, and ensuring precise temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal actuator (41), which exerts a temperature-dependent actuating movement on the valve closing element (14), wherein the thermal actuator (41) is made of a shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
a spring element (29), which is arranged in the chamber (19) and counteracts the thermal actuator (41)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve element for a thermostatic control device (12) and to a thermostatic control device for controlling a mass flow, having a valve closing member (14) which can be arranged in a valve seat (83) and which can be actuated by means of a transmission pin (16), having a housing section (18) in which the transmission pin (16) is guided at least in sections, and having at least one force store element (29) which is provided in the housing section (18) and which acts in a first movement direction such that the valve closing member (14) is arranged in an initial position (28) with respect to the housing section (18), wherein at least one thermal actuating member (41) composed of a shape-memory alloy engages both on the housing section (18) and also on the valve closing member (14) and has a direction of action opposite to the first movement direction and generates a temperature-dependent actuating movement of the valve closing member (14) counter to the at least one force store element (29), such that the actuating force of the thermal actuating member (41) is greater than that of the at least one force store element (29).