Flow-Control Valve Layout for Large Cross Section Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves for liquid-conveying heating or cooling systems have limited flow cross section and operative surface, restricting actuating forces and requiring large housing dimensions due to the integration of the controller within the actuating spindle and diaphragm-based pressure control.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of flow regulators is reversed, with the first flow regulator downstream of the inlet port, followed by the second flow regulator and controller, and an axially displaceable spindle with a choke element extending through both, allowing a small spindle diameter for a large flow cross section and operative surface, achieved through a disk-based second flow regulator design and sealed spindle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller is integrated into the actuating spindle with a diaphragm-based pressure control, then the differential pressure control function is achieved, but the flow cross section and operative surface are limited, requiring large housing dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the first flow regulator downstream of the inlet port, followed by the second flow regulator, and then the controller. This reversal allows the spindle to extend axially through both flow regulators, enabling a compact design with adequate flow cross section while maintaining the differential pressure control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle is designed to extend axially through the controller and both flow regulators, utilizing the axial dimension to accommodate the controller components without compromising the radial flow cross section. This dimensional approach allows the operative surface to be sufficiently large for actuating forces while keeping the housing dimensions compact.
2Force
If the controller is integrated into the actuating spindle, then the actuating forces are enhanced, but the housing dimensions must be enlarged to accommodate the operative surface
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is nested within the actuating spindle structure, with the spindle extending axially through the controller and both flow regulators. This nesting arrangement allows the controller components to be accommodated within the existing spindle volume, enhancing actuating forces without requiring additional housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The axially displaceable spindle provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the controller to maintain differential pressure control while accommodating varying actuating forces. The spindle's axial movement enables the system to adapt to different flow conditions without requiring a larger housing.
3Ease of operation
If the second flow regulator is formed by rotating disks with flow openings, then the manual adjustment capability is maintained, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second flow regulator is segmented into two separate rotating disks, each with its own flow openings. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of flow characteristics while maintaining manual operation capability. The disks can be rotated relative to each other to control the flow area without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
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
This configuration enables a slender housing design with enhanced actuating forces and adjustable flow cross section, maintaining the advantage of manual adjustment without enlarging the housing, while achieving high actuating forces and maintaining the differential pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure upstream of and downstream of the two flow regulators can act on this operative surface
Implementation Method 2
an axially displaceable spindle in the connector fitting has an actuating part projecting out of the connector fitting and at least one choke element fastened to the spindle
Implementation Method 3
the controller consists of a flow restriction axially displaceable on the spindle, and a housing-side seat therefor
Data Source
AI summary
A valve has a housing with inlet and outlet ports for a liquid, a connector fitting between the ports, a controller in the connector fitting, and first and second flow regulators in the connector fitting. Connection formations on the connector are engaged by an adjuster acting on the first flow regulator while an actuator acts on the manually operable second flow regulator. The controller maintains a differential pressure constant via the first and second flow regulators. The first flow regulator is downstream of the inlet port in a flow direction, followed by the second flow regulator, the controller, and the outlet port. A spindle axially displaceable in the connector fitting has an actuating part that projects out of the connector fitting and a choke element fastened to the spindle and forming part of the first flow regulator. This spindle extends axially through the controller and the second flow regulator.