Valve insert for a compact radiator and assembly comprising a compact radiator and a valve insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact radiators pose a challenge in providing a reliable valve insert that offers pre-setting, nominal flow control, and pressure regulation functions due to their smaller dimensions compared to standard radiators.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve insert design featuring a housing with axially aligned sections, a valve insert stem, a maximum flow pre-setting unit with a rotatable dial and linearly displaceable plunger, and a pressure difference control unit with a control diaphragm having inner and outer convolutions, allowing for reliable operation within the constraints of compact radiators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the valve insert dimensions are reduced to fit inside compact radiators, then the radiator compactness is improved, but the reliability of pre-setting, nominal flow control, and pressure regulation functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve insert employs a nested structure where the control diaphragm is folded into convolutions (inner and outer) that fit within the compact housing. The pre-setting plunger is received within the control diaphragm assembly, and the valve insert plunger is received within the pre-setting plunger, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement that provides all required functions in a reduced volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve insert housing is divided into multiple axially aligned sections (first, second, and third housing sections) that accommodate different functional components. The control diaphragm is segmented into inner and outer folded sections with distinct functions, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific role while maintaining overall compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the valve insert housing is positioned inside the radiator panels space, then the radiator compactness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve insert combines multiple functions (flow control, pressure regulation, and pre-setting) into a single integrated assembly that fits within the radiator panels space. The housing sections are axially aligned and interconnected, merging the structural support and functional components into a unified compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control diaphragm utilizes a folded configuration with inner and outer convolutions that extend in the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial space. This dimensional transformation allows the pressure regulation mechanism to be accommodated within the limited radial space of the compact radiator.
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 solution enables a compact radiator valve insert to reliably provide pre-setting, nominal flow control, and pressure regulation functions, maintaining a constant flow rate despite pressure variations, thus addressing the limitations of compact radiator designs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference control unit to keep the flow rate through the valve insert constant or almost constant at the nominal flow rate
Implementation Method 2
the relative position between the valve insert plunger and the valve insert seat defines a nominal flow rate through the valve insert
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Valve insert (10) for a compact radiator having a valve insert housing (11) comprising a first housing section (11a), a second housing section (11b) and a third housing section (11c). The first housing section provides an inlet (12), an outlet (13), and a valve insert seat (14). The valve insert comprises a valve insert stem (15) carrying a valve insert plunger (16). The relative position between the valve insert plunger (16) and the valve insert seat (14) defines a nominal flow rate. The valve insert comprises a maximum flow pre-setting unit. The maximum flow pre-setting unit has a rotatable pre-setting dial (17) and a pre-setting plunger (18) being linear displaceable. The valve insert stem (15) extends through the pre-setting dial (17) and the pre-setting plunger (18). The valve insert plunger (16) is partially accommodated within the pre-setting plunger (18) and is linear displaceable relative to the pre-setting plunger (18). The valve insert comprises a pressure difference control unit to keep the flow rate constant at the nominal flow rate. The pressure difference control unit comprises a control diaphragm (27) having an inner folded section (27a) and an outer folded section (27b). The outer folded section (27b) is attached to the second and/or third housing sections (11a, 11b) and provides the pressure difference control. The inner folded section (27a) is attached to the pre-setting plunger (18) and allows a movement of the pre-setting plunger (18) relative to the outer folded section (27b). Figure 1