Mechanically self actuating volume flow regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanically self-acting volume flow controllers in air conditioning systems lack visibility of the flap position from outside the housing, making it difficult to set an energy-optimized operating point due to invisible high pressure losses when the flap approaches its closed position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a display element directly or indirectly connected to the flap or shaft that moves in conjunction with the flap, allowing the flap position to be visually determined from outside the housing, along with an externally accessible set point for optimal energy optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flap is made invisible or enclosed within the housing, then the device structure is compact and simple, but the flap position cannot be observed from outside
Solution Approach 1:
A display element is introduced as an intermediary component that is mechanically coupled to the flap through the shaft. This display element transfers the flap's positional information to the outside world, allowing observation without compromising the housing's compact structure. The display element acts as a mediator between the internal flap mechanism and external observers.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element is nested within the housing structure, with the shaft passing through the housing to connect the flap to the display element. This nested arrangement allows the display function to be integrated into the existing housing without significantly increasing external dimensions, maintaining compactness while adding observability.
2Device complexity
If the flap position is not visible, then the housing can be simpler, but energy-optimized operating point cannot be set
Solution Approach 1:
The display element provides visual feedback about the flap position to the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to observe the actual flap position and adjust the set point accordingly, enabling energy-optimized operation. The visual information flows from the flap through the display element to the operator, facilitating informed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the internal flap mechanism and the external operator. It translates the flap's positional state into visible information, enabling the operator to set optimal operating points without dismantling the housing or directly observing the flap.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the shaft is made accessible outside the housing for display purposes, then the flap position becomes visible, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects the flap to the display element, provides structural support, and acts as an information transmission conduit. By making the shaft multi-functional, the need for separate dedicated components is reduced, minimizing the increase in housing complexity while achieving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display function is merged with the existing shaft structure rather than being implemented as a separate independent component. The shaft itself or an extension of it becomes the display element, combining the mechanical transmission function with the information display function in a single integrated component.
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 real-time monitoring and adjustment of the flap position, reducing energy losses by allowing for precise control of the operating point, thus optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
pivots back into the open position by the restoring force, which is usually generated by a spring
Implementation Method 2
when the cam disk is adjusted about a pivot point, the leaf spring is carried along by the cam disk and rolls on the curve
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanically self-acting volume flow controller, in particular for air conditioning systems through which a medium flows, with a housing that has a wall and forms part of a flow channel, with a flap that is pivotably mounted inside the housing on a shaft arranged transversely to the direction of flow, wherein the flap can be pivoted under the action of the medium flowing against the flap against a restoring force from an open position into a closed position and pivots back into the open position by the restoring force when the volume flow of the flowing medium decreases. In order to specify a volumetric flow controller in which the flap position can also be determined from outside the housing without dismantling, a device that is directly or indirectly connected to the flap and/or to the shaft and which also moves in accordance with the movement of the flap should be installed inside and/or outside of the housing moving display element may be provided, which is arranged to be freely visible for visual inspection of the position of the flap from outside the housing.