Valve arrangement with improved balancing functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements in fluid distribution systems are difficult to balance after installation, requiring time-consuming and costly processes to adjust the restriction element, especially in large buildings with thousands of valves.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement with an axially offset adjustment member that allows for rotational adjustment of the restriction element via an intermeshed gear system, enabling access to the restriction element even when an actuator is mounted, thus simplifying commissioning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a setting wheel or restriction element is provided for balancing the valve, then the fluid distribution system can be balanced to achieve desired flows, but the setting wheel is difficult to turn after installation of the balancing and control valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment member that mediates between the user and the restriction element. This adjustment member, which can be rotated around a second axis, transmits rotational movement to the restriction element through a transmission mechanism (such as gears or a rack and pinion system), enabling indirect adjustment of the restriction element with improved accessibility after valve installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of adjustment by introducing an adjustment member that rotates around a second axis different from the first axis (the axis of the restriction element). This dimensional change allows the adjustment mechanism to be accessed from a different direction, improving accessibility after the valve has been installed in the system
2Reliability
If the restriction element is made adjustable for presetting maximum flow, then proper system balance can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly in large buildings with thousands of valves
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member serves as a mediator that simplifies the adjustment process by providing a more accessible interface for turning the restriction element. This reduces the time required for commissioning in large buildings by making the adjustment operation easier and faster to perform on numerous valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the adjustment member that can be rotated around a second axis, enabling flexible and easy modification of the restriction element position during commissioning and maintenance, thereby reducing the time required for system balancing
3Extent of automation
If an actuator is mounted on the valve arrangement, then automated control is enabled, but access to means for adjusting the restriction element is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing an adjustment member that rotates around a second axis different from the first axis, the patent enables maintenance personnel to access and adjust the restriction element from a different direction that is not blocked by the mounted actuator, thus maintaining both automated control functionality and maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment function from the restriction element itself by introducing a separate adjustment member. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be accessed independently from the actuator mounting area, enabling maintenance without dismounting the actuator
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
Facilitates simplified commissioning and maintenance of fluid distribution systems by allowing adjustment of the restriction element without dismounting the actuator, ensuring proper system balance and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment member is configured to transmit rotational movement of the adjustment member to the restriction element such that the restriction element moves between the positions along or around the first axis when the adjustment member is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body having a valve inlet and a valve outlet a control valve part comprising a seat and closing member movable relative to the seat for enabling a variable cross section of a passage between the valve inlet and the valve outlet to be changed; a restriction element adjustable between different positions along or around a first axis wherein the different positions restrict movement of the closing member by respective amounts; and an adjustment member rotatably attached to the valve body wherein the adjustment member is rotatable around a second axis different from the first axis and wherein the adjustment member is configured to transmit rotational movement of the adjustment member to the restriction element such that the restriction element moves between the positions along or around the first axis when the adjustment member is rotated.