Flow Control Valve Insert With Integrated Pressure Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves for liquid-carrying heating or cooling systems require additional space for integrated pressure control devices, making them incompatible with commercially available thermostatic valves and increasing manufacturing costs due to complex component installation.
Innovation Solution
A valve insert with an integrated membrane-controlled pressure control device that encompasses the spindle, allowing for axial displacement to regulate pressure differences, and a setpoint spring positioned away from the flow channel, enabling compact design and easy installation in existing valve housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated pressure control device is installed in existing thermostatic valve housings, then hydraulic balancing can be achieved in existing systems, but the valve housing requires additional space that is not available in conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control device is nested within the valve body by positioning the membrane (17) and setpoint spring (32) in the annular space between the spindle (7) and the valve body wall. The membrane is clamped in a cavity formed in the valve insert (5), effectively utilizing the existing internal volume without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The setpoint spring (32) is arranged radially outward from the flow channel axis, in the annular space between the spindle and valve body wall, rather than axially within the flow channel. This radial arrangement frees up the axial flow channel space while accommodating the spring in a previously underutilized dimensional space.
2Volume of stationary object
If the setpoint spring is arranged in the flow channel to save space, then compact design is achieved, but the flow channel cross-section is narrowed and turbulence is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The setpoint spring (32) is arranged radially outward from the flow channel axis, in the annular space between the spindle and valve body wall, rather than axially within the flow channel. This radial arrangement frees up the axial flow channel space while accommodating the spring in a previously underutilized dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve internal space is segmented into distinct functional zones: the central axial region is dedicated to laminar flow through the throttle body, while the annular region between spindle and valve body wall accommodates the pressure control components. This spatial segmentation eliminates interference between flow and spring functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If prefabricated components are installed in the housing to create a flow control valve with pressure control device, then the valve can be assembled from standardized parts, but the manufacturing effort increases and the housing must be relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control device components (membrane, setpoint spring, retaining element) are merged with the valve insert to form a single captively connected assembly unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation of prefabricated components, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining modular replaceability of the entire valve insert.
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
Enables hydraulic balancing in existing systems with minimal effort, maintaining maximum volume flow and compact external dimensions, while avoiding turbulence and additional space requirements, allowing for cost-effective production and easy exchange of valve inserts.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control device which keeps the pressure difference between the pressure areas upstream and downstream of a flow regulating unit arranged in the connecting piece constant
Implementation Method 2
a setpoint spring of the pressure control device on the side of the membrane facing away from the flow channel or gap and on the side facing the actuating part of the spindle are arranged
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow control valve (1) for liquid-carrying heating or cooling systems, consisting of a housing (2) with an inlet (3), an outlet (4) and a connecting piece (13) arranged between them, into which a pressure control device (14) , which keeps the pressure difference between the pressure areas in front of and behind a flow control unit (8) arranged in the connecting piece constant, and a spindle (7) with an actuating part protruding from the housing (2) and a first throttle body (9) located in the housing (2). , which acts on the flow control unit or on parts thereof, the flow control unit (8) consisting of a first throttle device, which is formed from the first throttle body (9) attached to the spindle (7) and a seat (10), and a second throttle device , which is formed of a on the spindle (7) along this adjustably arranged second throttle body (11) and a seat, wob ei the second throttle body (11) is movable in the direction of the first throttle body (9).