Valve Unit Coupling With Quick Fixing and Anti-Return Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve units for connecting a water supply network to a primary circuit, such as a heating circuit, face issues with connector loss and incorrect positioning, leading to inefficiencies or failure in filling the primary circuit with water.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit design featuring a connector with a threaded end and a cylindrical coupling, fixed by quick fixing means, along with anti-return valves and opening/closure means operated by a user-activated rod with a spring mechanism, ensuring secure and ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable connector is used to enable disconnection between inlet and outlet conduits, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of connector loss or incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector with the coupling body by providing a threaded end that is integrally formed with the coupling, eliminating the need for a separate detachable connector. This merging of components ensures reliable retention while maintaining ease of operation through simple threading and unthreading actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates quick fixing means that automatically secure the connector to the coupling body when the threading action is completed. This preliminary securing action ensures the connector cannot be lost or become mispositioned, while still allowing easy removal when needed.
2Reliability
If anti-return valves are installed to prevent water recirculation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anti-return valve functionality directly into the coupling body structure. The valve elements are integrated with the housing and connector components, creating a compact design that prevents water recirculation without adding separate valve assemblies or increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If opening/closure means with spring mechanism are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that automatically returns the opening/closure means to its initial position after actuation. The spring provides self-service by eliminating the need for complex return mechanisms or manual resetting, simplifying the overall actuation system while maintaining ease of operation.
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 design provides a compact, efficient, and easy-to-install valve unit that prevents water recirculation, ensures effective filling of the primary circuit, and reduces the risk of connector loss or misplacement.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (23) acting on the rod (25), the spring member (23) being arranged concentric to the rod (25)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Valve unit comprising a first body (20) with an inlet conduit (22), a second body (10) with an outlet conduit (12), a disconnection conduit (13) adapted to disconnect the connection between both bodies (10,20), and opening/closure means (24) for the passage of water from the inlet conduit (22) to the second body (10). The opening/closure means (24) are arranged in a housing (26) of the first body (20) and includes a rod (25) comprising at one end, a sealing member (6) that, in normal operating conditions of the valve unit (1), closes the passage of water to the second body (10), the rod (25) being movable, and a spring member (23) that acts on the rod (25), moving it to close the passage of water from the first body (20) to the second body (10) when the user stops acting upon the rod (25) or unlocks retention means (29b).