Thermo Element Regulation Valve for Liquid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulation valves for liquid circulation systems, such as drinking water systems, fail to accurately regulate flow rates based on temperature, especially at low temperatures, and are prone to blockages due to moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A regulation valve design featuring a thermo element and spring elements that work together to adjust flow rates based on temperature, with a non-moving valve insert and easy removal for maintenance, ensuring accurate low flow rates at low temperatures and high flow rates at high temperatures without risk of blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moving valve insert is used to regulate flow rate, then the valve can be adjusted to different positions, but the valve becomes prone to blockages by containments of the liquid medium
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the valve insert to different positions for flow rate adjustment, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the valve insert stationary and using a movable valve plug that can be positioned at different locations within the valve body. This inversion eliminates the blockage risk associated with moving the valve insert while maintaining full flow rate adjustment capability through the movable valve plug's position changes.
2Reliability
If the valve insert is fixed to prevent blockages, then reliability improves, but the ability to regulate flow rate accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the valve into two independent functional components: a fixed valve insert that provides reliability by preventing blockages, and a movable valve plug that provides precise flow rate regulation. The valve plug can be positioned at different locations within the valve body to control flow rate accurately, while the stationary valve insert maintains its blockage-resistant design. This segmentation allows both reliability and regulation accuracy to coexist.
3Ease of repair
If the valve insert is made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the valve into separable components: a removable valve insert and a stationary valve body with an integrated valve plug. The valve insert can be easily removed for maintenance without disassembling the entire valve, while the valve plug remains in place within the valve body. This segmentation provides ease of repair for the valve insert while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and avoiding the need for complex disassembly mechanisms.
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 valve provides precise temperature-dependent flow rate regulation, preventing blockages and facilitating maintenance, while ensuring accurate flow control across varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo element (22) being positioned directly in the flow of the liquid medium... which provides a thermo element force depending on the temperature of the liquid medium
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c~2d
AI summary
Regulation valve (10) for a liquid medium, comprising: a valve housing (11) providing a valve inlet chamber (12) and a valve outlet chamber (13); a valve insert being positioned within the valve housing (11), the valve insert comprising a valve body (18), a valve plunger (19) and a first spring element (20); a thermo element (22) being positioned directly in the flow of the liquid medium and carrying the valve plunger (19), the thermo element (22) provides a thermo element force acting on the valve plunger (19) depending on the temperature of the liquid medium within the valve housing (11), wherein the thermo element force provided by the thermo element (22) is acting against the first spring force provided by the first spring element (20) in such a way that an increasing temperature of the liquid medium tends to open the regulation valve and that a decreasing temperature of the liquid medium tends to close the regulation valve; a mounting support (14) for the thermo element (22), the mounting support (14) dividing the valve inlet chamber (12) of the valve housing (11) in a first valve inlet sub-chamber (12a) and a second valve inlet sub-chamber (12b), wherein the second valve inlet sub-chamber (12b) in positioned between the first valve inlet sub-chamber (12a) and the valve outlet chamber (13);a second spring element (25) being positioned in the first valve inlet sub-chamber (12a) and acting on the mounting support (14) in such a way that the second spring element (25) provides a second spring force which presses the mounting support against a stroke (26) provided by the valve housing (11).