Supply Manifold with Screw-Driven Slider for 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 actuated by solenoids that necessitate electric wires to travel back and forth, and lack precise and leak-proof valve opening and closing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A supply manifold with a slider driven by a screw drive over a splined rotatable shaft, where the slider's actuator engages cross gears to actuate valves, utilizing cone-shaped plugs for secure sealing and minimizing leakage, and a control system with sensors and motors for precise valve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zone valves with solenoid actuators are used to control liquid flow to multiple zones, then each zone can be regulated independently, but the supply manifold becomes complex and expensive requiring electric wires to travel back and forth with the carriage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple zone valve control functions into a single actuator that moves along a linear path to sequentially engage different zone valves. This merging of control functions reduces the number of independent actuators and wiring requirements, directly addressing the complexity issue while preserving multi-zone control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling different zone valves at different positions along its travel path. This universal actuator design replaces multiple dedicated actuators, simplifying the manifold structure while maintaining the ability to independently control multiple zones
2Device complexity
If conventional valve mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the valve opening and closing lack precision and are not leak-proof
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug features a conical shape with a specific taper angle that concentrates sealing force at a localized region where the plug contacts the valve seat. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable sealing and leak-proof operation without requiring complex valve mechanisms throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The conical plug design changes the geometric parameters of the sealing interface, using the taper angle to convert rotational motion into linear sealing force. This parameter change enables precise control of valve opening and closing while ensuring leak-proof operation
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, and provides precise and leak-proof operation of the valves, enhancing the control over fluid flow in 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.