Single-Piece Thermostatic Valve Housing for Sequential Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of thermostatic valves with multiple parts can be complex and costly, as they require numerous assembly operations.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve with a single-piece housing that incorporates both seats for the plugs, allowing the plugs to open and close in sequence based on the expansion of a thermally expandable material, simplifying assembly and reducing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve housing is made in a plurality of distinct parts to accommodate multiple plugs and seats, then the valve can regulate flow through multiple paths, but the assembly complexity increases and the number of assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple housing parts into a single integrated housing structure that incorporates all necessary seats and flow paths. The housing is designed as one piece with multiple integrated seats (first seat, second seat, third seat) that accommodate the plugs, eliminating the need for separate housing components and reducing assembly operations while maintaining multi-path flow regulation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve housing is made in a plurality of distinct parts to accommodate multiple plugs and seats, then the valve can regulate flow through multiple paths, but the overall cost of the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple housing components into a single housing structure, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and overall valve cost while maintaining the ability to regulate flow through multiple paths using the thermostatic element and plugs
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 enables economical, reliable, and easy assembly of thermostatic valves while ensuring specific flow regulation, reducing the overall cost and complexity of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
an element which comprises a body, containing a thermally expandable material, and a piston, immersed in the thermally expandable material, the body and the piston being movable relative to each other in translation along the longitudinal axis of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to valves including housing and a thermostatic element, including a fixed portion and a mobile portion. A first plug is axially movable relative to a first seat in order to control the flow of fluid between first and second paths and is carried by the mobile portion in such a way that it moves the first plug by causing it to remain in the closed configuration when deployed below a predetermined stroke and to move to an open configuration when deployed beyond that stroke. A second plug is axially movable relative to a second seat in order to control the flow of fluid between the first and a third path and is carried by the mobile portion in such a way that it moves the second plug from the closed configuration to the open configuration when deployed below the predetermined stroke.