Valve for plumbing systems, method of fluid treatment using said valve and method of flushing said valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves for plumbing systems, particularly in heating and air conditioning systems, face challenges such as complex maintenance, excessive pressure drop, and inadequate solid particle removal and drainage, leading to inefficiencies and potential system failures.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring a compact structure with a magnetic device for attracting ferrous particles, allowing for easy installation and automatic flushing, which includes a shutter mechanism for fluid diversion and drainage, enabling effective particle removal and maintenance without system disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic separator is used to retain ferrous particles in heating systems, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but maintenance complexity increases because the separator cannot be cleaned without complete removal from the plant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removal efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic separator is divided into separable components: a removable container holding the magnetic body can be detached from the valve body for cleaning, while the valve body remains installed in the heating system. This allows the container to be cleaned separately without removing the entire separator from the plant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container holding the magnetic body is extracted as a separate removable component from the valve body. This extracted container can be easily removed, cleaned, and reinstalled, simplifying the maintenance process while maintaining effective particle removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a complex duct circuit is installed to enable flushing of the separator, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidduct circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control valve for fluid flow and as the housing for the magnetic separation function. The container can be removed and cleaned separately, eliminating the need for complex flushing ducts while maintaining cleaning capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The container is extracted as a separate removable component that can be easily cleaned outside the system. This eliminates the need for complex internal flushing circuits, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a valve with integrated magnetic body is used, then particle retention is improved, but pressure drop increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle retentionVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic body is segmented into a separate removable container rather than being integrated into the valve body. This allows optimization of the flow path around the container to minimize pressure drop while maintaining effective particle retention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 valve efficiently removes solid particles, minimizes pressure drops, and facilitates easy maintenance, ensuring reliable operation and extended system lifespan by allowing for effective cleaning and drainage without requiring disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic device (14) at least partly arranged in the compartment (21) of the container (20) and configured for attracting thereto ferrous or ferromagnetic particles present in the fluid passing from the compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3992156B1Valve for plumbing systems, method of fluid treatment using said valve and method of flushing said valve
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 CIMBERIO HLDG SRL
  • EP3992156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992156B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a valve (1) for plumbing systems comprising a valve body (2) having an inlet (4), an outlet (6), a first and a second access (8, 10) and an drain (30); the valve body further comprises: a first channel (3) extending between the inlet (4) and the first access (8), having within itself a seat (3a) and carrying the drain (30) which is facing the seat (3a); a second channel (5) extending between the outlet (6) and the second access (10). The valve further comprises: a container (20) engaged to the valve body in correspondence of said first and second accesses, at least one magnetic device (14) at least partly arranged in the compartment (21) of the container (20), a shutter (40) housed in the seat (3a) and configured to intercept the fluid passing from the first channel. The shutter is movable between: a first operative position, in which the shutter allows fluid communication between the inlet and the first access, a second operative position, in which the shutter allows fluid communication between the first access and the outlet.