Hydraulic distributor device and valve device for same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic distribution devices for building energy systems are complex and require significant space, leading to inefficiencies in energy transport and increased heat losses.

Innovation Solution

A compact hydraulic distribution device design featuring offset distribution pipes and transverse tubular valve devices, with a modular valve body structure that allows for flexible configuration and reduced heat loss, utilizing a cylindrical valve space with axial and radial openings and form-fitting elements for efficient fluid flow and connection management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional distribution systems are used to reliably meet heat demands, then energy distribution reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve devices are arranged transversely through the distribution pipes, with valve bodies positioned inside or passing through the pipe interiors. This nesting arrangement allows the valuation mechanism to be integrated within the existing pipe structure, significantly reducing the installation space while maintaining distribution reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve devices are oriented transversely (perpendicularly) to the longitudinal axis of the distribution pipes, changing the spatial dimension of valve arrangement from parallel to perpendicular. This dimensional change allows compact integration without extending the system's footprint, solving the space complexity issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional distribution systems are used to meet heat demands, then energy distribution capability is improved, but heat losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution capabilityVSAvoidheat losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the valve devices within the distribution pipes, the patent minimizes the exposed surface area of valve components that would otherwise be exposed to ambient air. The valve bodies are surrounded by the fluid-carrying pipe walls, which act as thermal insulation, thereby reducing heat losses while maintaining distribution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If compact design is implemented to reduce space, then installation space is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution pipes serve multiple functions: they transport the energy-carrying fluid and simultaneously house or support the valve devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate valve housings or mounting structures, achieving compactness without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body is divided into segmented sections that can be independently positioned within the distribution pipe. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and maintenance, managing complexity through standardized components while achieving compact integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4417880A1Hydraulic distributor device and valve device for same
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 MALINOWSKY DETLEF
  • EP4417880A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4417880A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4417880A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hydraulic distribution device for an energy system of a building, comprising at least two distribution pipes arranged offset from one another, each of which can be connected to at least one heat source or heat sink of the energy system, and at least two tubular valve devices arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the distribution pipes, which are arranged offset from one another and each of which can be connected to at least one heat sink or heat source of the energy system, wherein the valve devices and the distribution pipes lie in a common plane or in parallel offset planes, such that the valve devices pass through the distribution pipes. The present invention further relates to a modular valve device for a hydraulic distribution device.