APERFEIÇOAMENTO EM SISTEMA DE RESTRITOR PARA CONTROLE DE FLUXO DE ÁGUA

Description

1 / 9 “IMPROVEMENT IN RESTRICTOR SYSTEM FOR WATER FLOW CONTROL” [Field of Invention]

[001] The purpose of this improvement is to target the hydraulic segment. This request also benefits the area of ​​environmental protection, since what is proposed here has effectively proven results in saving water, also impacting the reduction of expenses in homes and businesses. [State of the Art] Sustainable Standard for Showers

[002] The water consumption of a shower can vary considerably depending on the model type and water pressure, but for a sustainable standard, ideally showers should consume between 6 and 12 liters per minute (l / min). Conventional showers: Some shower models can consume up to 20 liters per minute or more, especially if they are not designed with efficiency in mind.

[003] A sustainable water consumption pattern in showers ideally ranges between 6 and 12 liters per minute. Choosing equipment with this low consumption capacity not only contributes to water conservation and environmental preservation, but can also result in savings on water bills for consumers. Furthermore, adopting this technology is an important step towards a more rational use of water resources.

[004] It is widely known in the hydraulic industry that restrictor devices are fitted to taps and showers, promising to provide consumers with savings in water usage.

[005] However, after installing a conventional restrictor on their tap or shower, consumers often experience, contrary to what is offered, a weak flow and lack of water pressure, and consequently, an uncomfortable jet. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 6 / 16 2 / 9

[006] Attention is also drawn to the generic restrictors marketed with taps and showers that use low-quality plastic in their composition, considering a short lifespan and porous nature, which in contact with water residues promotes the accumulation of limescale, making them easily clogged and creating an environment favorable to the proliferation of bacteria.

[007] We then have on the market, the aforementioned small accessory which initially proposes to fulfill: - Water and energy savings through high-performance pumping; Automatic adjustment to different pressures; - Resistance to high temperatures; - Extended lifespan of over 10 years due to the material used in its manufacture; - Environmental protection, among other advantages. In some countries, there are specific regulations for shower water consumption. For example, in Brazil, the National Water Agency (ANA) and Inmetro (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology) have been seeking to encourage the adoption of more sustainable technologies to reduce water and energy consumption, as part of public policies for water efficiency. Problems encountered in the state of the art.

[008] It is important to emphasize that although the various types of restrictors on the market do reduce water flow, they are not suitable for different pressures, so they do not modulate the flow, thus at low pressures they restrict too much without generating comfort and at high pressures they do not save efficiently and sustainably.

[009] It is still detected with extreme frequency that generic restrictors sold with faucets use low-quality plastic in their composition, such material being porous and having a short lifespan. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 7 / 16 3 / 9

[010] Because they are porous or rough, they provide an environment conducive to the accumulation of residues, such as dirt, minerals from the water (such as calcium and magnesium), and even biofilms (a layer of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces). These biofilms can be a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria, including Legionella.

[011] It is also important to emphasize that the configuration applied in conventional restrictors is in the form of a small orifice designed to restrict the passage of water without modulating the water flow. This is installed in the piping of a shower or faucet, for example, and has the appearance of a button or is full of small holes. In addition to restricting the water flow without modulation, affecting comfort, it also traps all kinds of residue, such as limescale, which can be difficult to clean completely. If cleaning is not done properly, bacteria can multiply in these hidden areas. Advantages brought about by Improvement.

[012] The restrictor is made of durable acetal resin, the same used in surgical materials, which is why its lifespan is around 10 years at a minimum, and it can withstand up to 110°C, adapting perfectly to heating systems.

[013] The restrictor proposed here is modular and adjusts automatically by means of stainless steel springs according to the pressure, reducing water consumption and consequently pumping and heating energy without affecting user comfort.

[014] The restrictor proposed here is compatible with the existing hydraulic system, so there is no need to change any piping for its installation. [Brief Description of the Improvement]

[015] The improvement features an acetal resin restrictor with an improved configuration by including a spring in its internal part designed to encompass the sealing ring. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 8 / 16 4 / 9 Brief Description of the Figures The following will describe the improvements in relation to the figures in an exemplary and not limiting manner, in which: Figure 1 is an assembled perspective view of the restrictor system (1) comprising an inner part (2) and an outer part (3) stainless steel spring (4) and sealing ring (5) of the present improvement. Figure 2 is a view of the restrictor system (1) in disassembled side perspective of the restrictor system (1) showing the inner part (2) comprising the fitted stainless steel spring (4) next to the outer part (3) with the fitted sealing ring (5). Figure 3 is a view of the restrictor system (1), in disassembled top perspective, comprising internal part (2) with the fitted stainless steel spring (4) and external part (3) separated from the sealing ring (5). Figure 4 is a top view of the restrictor system (1) comprising internal part (2) with fitted stainless steel spring (4), external part (3) with the sealing ring (5) mounted. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the restrictor system (1) showing the external part (2) of the present improvement. Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the restrictor system (1) with the inner part (2) and stainless steel spring (4) coupled inside the outer part (3) without the sealing ring. Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the restrictor system (1) with the inner part (2) with the stainless steel spring (4) inserted inside the outer part (3) without sealing ring of the present improvement. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the restrictor system (1) comprising an inner part (2) with the fitted stainless steel spring (4), and an outer part (3) with the fitted sealing ring (5). Figure 9 shows the results of the test on the volume of water used in a restrictor belonging to the state of the art. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 9 / 16 5 / 9 Figure 10 shows the result of the test on the volume of water used in the restrictor system (1) of this improvement.

[016] The present improvement will be described in detail below, with regard to the accompanying figures, which are of an illustrative and not limiting nature. Thus, the restrictor system, unlike the prior art which is presented as a single piece, is composed of four parts, which are represented by the inner part (2) and outer part (3), stainless steel spring (4) and sealing ring (5).

[017] The present improvement brings a restrictor system (1) with a completely distinct concept in its structural form of the internal part (2) and external part (3) a stainless steel spring (4) that allows a modular control of the water flow.

[018] Having the same purpose as conventional restrictors, the improved system ensures that the water flow is modulated. The improved water restrictor system (1) described has an innovative structural concept that differs substantially from conventional models. Its main function remains the same: to limit or regulate the water flow to control consumption and avoid waste. However, the improvement goes beyond simple restriction, offering more efficient and comfortable control. The main innovation lies in the material composition and internal structure, which provides greater durability, efficiency and adaptability to variations in water pressure. Materials Used: Acetal resin and stainless steel

[019] The water restrictor system (1) is manufactured with acetal resin, a high-performance, high-strength material. Acetal resin, also known as POM (polyoxymethylene), is an engineering polymer widely used in components that require mechanical strength and dimensional stability, as well as being resistant to abrasion, chemicals and high pressures. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 10 / 16 6 / 9 Benefits of acetal resin in water restrictors: - Durability and resistance: Acetal resin is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, making it ideal for components that are in constant contact with water and other corrosive elements. This results in a significant increase in the restrictor's lifespan, even under continuous use conditions and in environments with varying water quality. - Thermal and chemical stability: Acetal resin maintains its structural integrity even at high temperatures and in contact with chemicals that may be present in water. This is crucial to ensure that the restrictor continues to function correctly over time, without loss of performance due to wear or deterioration of the material. - Reduced maintenance: Due to its resistance to corrosion and abrasion, the use of acetal resin reduces the need for constant maintenance or component replacement, making the product more economical and practical in the long term. Stainless Steel Spring and Modular Restraint

[020] One of the main innovations of this improved restrictor system (1) is the presence of a stainless steel spring that allows modular control of the water flow, instead of simply restricting it in a rigid and constant way, as occurs in conventional restrictors. Benefits of the stainless steel spring and modular system:

[021] Dynamic adjustment to pressure variations: The stainless steel spring (2) ensures that the restriction system (1) is modular, i.e., capable of automatically adapting to variations in water pressure. This means that when the water pressure increases or decreases, the restrictor system (1) adjusts intelligently, maintaining the water flow at appropriate levels without the need for manual intervention. The present utility model differs from conventional restrictors, generating comfort and efficiency by the result brought about in a constant and inflexible water flow, the modular system with stainless steel spring (2) provides Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 11 / 16 7 / 9 provides a smoother and more comfortable flow, regardless of inlet pressure. This ensures the user has a constant and adequate flow, without surprises from sudden pressure changes, providing greater comfort in daily use.

[022] The utility model presented here also reduces pressure peaks. This is due to the improved operation resulting from the modular design of the internal (2) and external (3) parts of the restrictor system (1) presented here, considering that the stainless steel spring (4) helps to smooth out the pressure peaks that frequently occur in hydraulic systems, preventing excessive pressure from causing damage to the system and ensuring a more balanced distribution of water.

[023] The utility model presented here also generates water savings without loss of performance: With modular control of water flow, the restrictor system (1) is able to reduce water consumption without sacrificing service quality (i.e., flow comfort). This not only contributes to reducing water costs, but also to preserving water resources more efficiently.

[024] Finally, the durability of the stainless steel spring used in this model is a strategic choice, as this material offers high resistance to corrosion and wear, which ensures that the spring continues to function perfectly over time, even in environments with aggressive water or in constant contact with chemicals present in water such as chlorine and in industries.

[025] The restrictor (1) is the coupling of the inner part (2) with the outer part (5).

[026] The inner part (2) comprises a stainless steel spring (2) at its lower base followed by a rounded base (4) with a central hole. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 12 / 16 8 / 9

[027] The outer part (5) consists of a base (6) which is followed in its upper direction by a wider ring (7) followed by a tapered upper edge (8).

[028] The restrictor device (1) consists of the fitting of the two parts, the inner part (2) which is positioned in the inner gap of the part (5), coupling with the stainless steel spring (2) facing upwards where the sealing rubber (9) fits.

[029] The new proposed configuration does not accumulate residues from impurities in the hydraulic system, eliminating any possibility of the creation of bacterial colonies.

[030] Furthermore, the reduction in water consumption occurs without a decrease in water pressure considering that the system is modular (1) it does not occur by restricting low pressure water, but rather by restricting it automatically regardless of the system pressure.

[031] It is important to note the beneficial chain reaction that the improved system promises, since less water is required without any detriment to the user, without the need for a greater demand than the hydraulic network is capable of providing. Considering that the aforementioned system is not limited to water temperature, the use of less water with the same efficiency also reduces, in the case of hot water, a decrease in electricity consumption.

[032] The solution presented here is, in conclusion, a restrictor that departs from conventionality because its configuration improves the process by modulating the water flow, creating the possibility of comfortable use even in cases where many showers and taps are opened at the same time.

[033] The solution provided by this improved restrictor is easy to attach, being compatible with the vast majority of taps and showers commercially available on the market, whether for domestic, industrial or similar use.

[034] In this way, the restrictive system provides the consumer with an 80% saving, aligned with all additional hygiene requirements. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, page 13 / 16 9 / 9 and a guarantee of non-adhesion of limestone, which is a major problem detected by the restrictors belonging to the state of the art.

[035] According to this improvement presented here, the restrictor comprises a modular water system due to the raw material used, which promotes non-adhesion and non-accumulation of debris of all kinds, harmful to the user's health, eliminating the need for constant and frequent cleaning.

[036] The configurations have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. Specific configurations are not limited to the configurations described above, and various design changes and the like are possible within the scope without deviating from the essence. Petition 870250068711, dated 04 / 08 / 2025, p. 14 / 16

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1.- “IMPROVEMENT IN WATER FLOW CONTROL RESTRICTOR SYSTEM” characterized by the said restrictor system (1) comprising an internal part (2) and an external part (3) stainless steel spring (4) and sealing ring (5). 2.- “IMPROVEMENT IN WATER FLOW CONTROL RESTRICTOR SYSTEM” according to claim 1, characterized in that said restrictor system (1) reduces the water flow by increasing the water pressure by inserting a spring (4).

3. - "IMPROVEMENT IN WATER FLOW CONTROL RESTRICTOR SYSTEM" according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal part (2) coupled to the external part (3) allows modulating the water output of said restrictor system (1).

4. - "IMPROVEMENT IN WATER FLOW CONTROL RESTRICTOR SYSTEM" according to claim 3, characterized in that said external part (3) blocks the central outlet of the water flow, and said internal part (2) releases the water flow through its gap around the central part of said external part (3).

5. - "IMPROVEMENT IN WATER FLOW CONTROL RESTRICTOR SYSTEM" according to claim 1, characterized in that the restrictor system (1), after having the two parts (2) and (3) fitted together, receives the sealing ring (5) which is coupled to the upper part of the spring (4). Petition 870250095372, dated 10 / 18 / 2025, page 6 / 8

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