Supply Manifold with Rotatable Slider for Wire-Free Multi-Zone Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydronic heating or cooling systems require complex and expensive supply manifolds with multiple zone valves, which are costly and inefficient due to the need for individual actuators and electric wiring, and lack precise and leak-proof valve actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A supply manifold with a rotatable slider driven by a screw drive and a splined shaft, featuring cross gears and cone-shaped plugs for precise valve actuation, eliminating the need for electric wires and providing a leak-proof seal through water diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zone valves with individual actuators are used to regulate liquid flow to multiple zones, then each zone can be controlled independently, but the supply manifold becomes complex and expensive requiring electric wiring for each actuator
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor unit performs the function of multiple actuators by rotating the splined shaft to different angular positions, allowing one actuator to control multiple zone valves sequentially or simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of actuators from multiple to one while maintaining multi-zone control capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple zone valve actuation functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the motor, splined shaft, and cross gears work together as one unified actuation system, eliminating the need for separate actuators and their associated electric wiring for each zone valve
2Ease of operation
If individual actuators with electric wiring are used for each zone valve, then precise control is achieved, but the cost and wiring complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electric wiring and electrical components are extracted and removed from the system entirely, replacing them with a purely mechanical actuation mechanism that uses a motor-driven splined shaft to operate all zone valves without requiring any electric wires to travel to individual actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The splined shaft acts as a mechanical intermediary that transmits rotational motion from the single motor to multiple cross gears and zone valves, enabling precise control of multiple valves through one actuator by rotating the shaft to specific angular positions corresponding to different valve operations
3Device complexity
If conventional valve mechanisms are used, then simple design is achieved, but precise and leak-proof opening and closing cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The cone-shaped plug is designed to engage the valve seat at a specific angular position of the cross gear, ensuring that the valve is precisely positioned for sealing before the water pressure acts upon it, thereby guaranteeing leak-proof operation through pre-positioning at the correct angle
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
The solution simplifies the actuation mechanism, reduces costs by eliminating the need for electric wiring, and ensures precise and leak-proof opening and closing of valves, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a slider that is moved by a screw drive and rides over a splined rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 2
cone-shaped plugs that diverge in a direction away from the cross gears and which are secured in place by water diverted from the central water passage through the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold has a frame and a plurality of valves supported by the frame, each valve having a cross gear. The manifold also has a screw drive and a splined rotatable shaft parallel to the screw drive. The manifold further includes a slider driven by the screw drive over the splined rotatable shaft. The slider includes an actuator that protrudes from the slider to engage one of the cross gears to actuate a respective one of the plurality of valves.