Three-way mixer with adjustable kvs value
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-way mixers require additional components and system draining for KVS value adjustments, leading to increased costs and effort in heating system management.
Innovation Solution
A throttle element, such as a rotatable diaphragm or axially displaceable throttle body, is introduced to adjust the flow through the outlet, allowing for KVS value adjustments without additional components or system draining, using a part-circular design that minimizes leakage and can be actuated externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an oversized three-way mixing valve (with too high a KVS value) is used, then the valve can transmit the required flow rate, but the control function will overshoot and the actuator will have to readjust frequently, leading to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a throttle element that can adjust the KVS value (flow coefficient) of the mixing valve. This allows the valve to be adapted to different flow rate requirements while maintaining stable control function, resolving the contradiction between flow rate capability and control stability.
2Reliability
If a three-way mixing valve with too low a KVS value is used, then the control function remains stable, but the required flow rate cannot be transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle element enables dynamic adjustment of the KVS value, allowing the valve to transmit higher flow rates when needed while maintaining stable control characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between control stability and flow rate capability.
3Quantity of substance
If additional orifices are retrofitted to achieve a desired KVS value, then the correct flow rate can be achieved, but an additional component is required and the heating system must be emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the throttle element directly into the mixing valve body, integrating the flow adjustment function into the existing valve structure. This eliminates the need for separate retrofitting components and allows adjustment without emptying the heating system, resolving the contradiction between achieving correct flow rate and minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle element is designed to be adjustable after installation, allowing dynamic modification of the KVS value without requiring system shutdown or additional components. This resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible flow rate adjustment while maintaining simple device structure.
4Ease of operation
If play is provided between the rotary valve and the cylindrical bore to allow smooth rotation, then the rotary valve can rotate smoothly, but leakage occurs depending on the volume flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing play (clearance) specifically in the radial direction to allow smooth rotation, while maintaining sealing through localized sealing elements at the interface between the rotary valve and cylindrical bore. This resolves the contradiction by allowing smooth operation while preventing leakage through targeted sealing at critical locations.
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 and effortless KVS value adjustments without the need for multiple mixer variants, reducing operational complexity and costs, while minimizing leakage and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a throttling element, in particular a throttling body (10), which is displaceable in the cylindrical bore (3) in front of the outlet (7) and can be actuated from the outside, for adjusting the flow rate through the outlet (7)
Implementation Method 2
a rotary valve (4) which is rotatably mounted in the cylindrical bore (3) about the cylinder axis (8) and can be actuated from the outside in the form of a barrier wall (9) formed in a semicircular shape about the cylinder axis (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A three-way mixer (1) comprising a mixer housing (2) with a cylindrical bore (3), with a first and a second inlet opening (5, 6) both opening into the cylindrical bore (3) on the outer surface, and with an outlet opening (7) extending from the cylindrical bore (3) on the outer surface, as well as a rotary valve (4) rotatably mounted in the cylindrical bore (3) about the cylinder axis (8), which is actuated from the outside and is in the form of a barrier wall formed in a semicircular shape about the cylinder axis (8) and which is rotatable between a first closed position, in which the first inlet (5) is closed, and a second closed position, in which the second inlet (6) is closed, in order to adjust the mixing ratio of the two inlet openings (5, 6), according to the invention has a movably mounted in the cylindrical bore (3) upstream of the outlet (7) or in the outlet (7),Externally operable throttle element (10) for adjusting the flow rate through the outlet (7).