Fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance systems and valve assemblies

Abstract

A valve assembly for a fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance system is disposed within a valve well and includes a cam block, a valve liner, a valve body, a spring, a shaft, and a cover. The cam block, valve liner, and valve body each have a plurality of protrusions that cooperate with each other to allow rotation of the valve body while preventing rotation of the valve liner. The valve body and valve liner each have a pair of opposing openings for opening and closing the valve assembly. When the valve assembly is in the open position, fluid flows through the openings in the valve body and the valve liner. In the closed position, the sidewalls of the valve body press firmly against the sidewalls of the valve liner, forming a seal therebetween and completely stopping fluid flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates to fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance systems, and more particularly to valve assemblies used in connection with fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Description of the Prior Art and Objectives of the Invention Fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance systems typically include valve assemblies used to control the flow of fluid through a piping system. When there is a demand for fluid flow, the valve assembly is set to the open position, allowing fluid to flow freely through the valve assembly. When there is no demand for fluid flow, the valve assembly is reset to the closed position, restricting the flow of fluid through the valve assembly. When the valve is closed, a fluid-tight closed system is formed, and the presence or absence of a leak can be determined by monitoring the pressure difference. When fluid flows through the valve assembly, the pressure on both sides of the valve assembly is equal. When no fluid flows through the valve assembly, the pressure on both sides of the valve should be equal if there is no leak. However, if there is a leak on one side, a pressure difference occurs, generating high impact forces that can damage components in the system. This pressure difference exerts force on the valve, making it difficult to rotate the valve assembly from the closed position to the open position and generally increasing frictional forces on the valve assembly components. This pressure difference exerts pressure on each component of the valve assembly, making it difficult to operate. For this reason, valve failure is not uncommon when attempting to open a closed valve. Additionally, because certain fluids, such as water, are incompressible, a sudden closure of a valve can create a shock wave that propagates through the system. This shock wave, known as water hammer, can cause damage to the system unless it is absorbed by something in the system. Unless absorbed, it can cause damage to the system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Fluid valve assemblies are often comprised of components that undergo frequent, repetitive motion, such as the rotation of the valve itself. Many valves must not only withstand the pressure of the fluid, but also contend with frictional forces between the valve and the body in which it is installed. Repeatedly overcoming these frictional forces can cause component wear, deterioration, or ultimately failure.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems and drawbacks associated with prior art devices, the present disclosure has been conceived, one object of which is to provide a valve assembly for use in connection with a fluid flow control and maintenance system, the valve assembly including a valve body, a valve liner, a cam block, a spring, and a shaft that is rotatable either manually or remotely via a motor assembly.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a valve assembly that is configured to reduce friction between components of the valve assembly when switching between closed and open positions.

[0006] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a valve assembly that includes a valve body having an upper support structure and a lower support structure, and a shaft disposed through the upper support structure and the lower support structure, such that rotation of the shaft causes the valve body to rotate within the valve liner, but the valve liner itself does not rotate.

[0007] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a valve assembly that includes a quarter-turn valve body having a sidewall capable of forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with a sidewall of a valve liner when the valve assembly is disposed in a closed position.

[0008] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a valve assembly including a quarter-turn valve body that allows fluid flow through the valve body and fluid flow outside the valve body when the valve assembly is in an open position.

[0009] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a valve assembly in which the valve body drops to the bottom of the valve liner when the valve assembly is in the closed position.

[0010] Yet a further object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve assembly in which the valve body is positioned slightly above the bottom surface of the valve liner when the valve assembly is in the open position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Various other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

[0012] Summary of the Invention These and other objects are achieved by providing a valve assembly and system for use in conjunction with a fluid control and storage system. The valve assembly is disposed within a valve well disposed between an external inlet port and an external outlet port of a manifold and is capable of controlling the flow of fluid through a series of conduits formed between the external inlet port and the external outlet port. The valve assembly preferably includes a valve body, a valve liner, a cam block, a spring, and a shaft. The cam block is preferably disposed at the bottom of the valve well and defines a plurality of cam projections. The plurality of cam projections preferably define oppositely disposed low and high cam projection regions. The valve liner preferably forms a body defining a frusto-conical shape with a sidewall defining at least two openings in opposed relation. The two openings defined in the valve liner sidewall are configured (i.e., dimensionally, shaped, and otherwise) to coincide with the valve well inlet and valve well outlet to allow fluid to flow through the valve well of the manifold. The valve body also preferably defines a frusto-conical shape with a sidewall defining at least two openings in opposed relation. The valve body is preferably configured (i.e., dimensionally, shaped, and otherwise).

[0013] The valve body is fitted (or designed to fit) within the valve liner, allowing rotation and vertical displacement within the valve liner. The valve body preferably includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion extending between two openings. The shaft passes through a spring, a hole in the upper support against which the spring abuts, a hole in the valve body lower support, and further through an opening in the bottom of the valve liner and an opening in the bottom of the cam block to seat within the manifold. A spring located above the valve body upper support and below a spacer on the shaft presses and holds the valve body toward the bottom of the valve liner. The shaft is rotatable, allowing the valve body to rotate within the valve liner without rotating the cam block and valve liner.

[0014] When a preferred valve assembly is positioned within a valve well of a manifold, the cam block and valve liner cannot rotate or displace vertically or horizontally. The valve body is positioned within the valve liner and is capable of rotation and vertical displacement. When the valve body is rotated to align two openings defined in the valve body sidewall, two openings defined in the valve liner sidewall, and the inlet and outlet ports in the valve well, fluid can flow freely through the valve assembly and manifold. When the valve body is rotated a quarter turn, the two openings defined in the valve body sidewall no longer align with the two openings defined in the valve liner sidewall or with the inlet and outlet ports in the valve well. At this point, the valve body sidewall forms a wedge effect, forcing the valve body sidewall against the valve liner sidewall. This creates a seal, preferably a fluid-tight seal, that restricts the free flow of fluid through the valve assembly and manifold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of a fluid flow control and conserving system, showing a valve assembly used to regulate fluid flow through a manifold of the fluid flow control and conserving system.

[0016] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a top perspective rear view of the manifold removed from the fluid flow control and conserving system.

[0017] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the manifold shown in FIG.

[0018] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing some of the internal components of a valve assembly that is placed within the valve well of a fluid flow control and conservation system.

[0019] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the top of the valve body.

[0020] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the underside of the valve body.

[0021] [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve body taken along line CC in FIG. 5A.

[0022] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the top surface of the cam block.

[0023] [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the underside of the cam block.

[0024] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the top surface of the valve liner.

[0025] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the underside of the valve liner.

[0026] [Figure 7C] View C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve liner taken along line CC in FIG. 7A.

[0027] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view (partially shown in dotted lines) of the valve assembly, showing the valve body and valve liner in the closed position.

[0028] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a front view (partially dashed) of the valve assembly with the valve body and valve liner in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Detailed Description of Invention Embodiments and Operation Various examples of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term "example" is intended to be descriptive or exemplary only and is not intended to restrict or limit the disclosure to any one or more precise features or steps of the examples disclosed herein. References herein to a "disclosure," "example," "one example," "various examples," and the like are not intended to restrict or limit the disclosure to any one or more precise features or steps of the examples disclosed herein. References to an "example," "one example," "various examples," and the like indicate that any one or more particular features, structures, or features of the examples disclosed herein may be included, but do not necessarily imply that all examples include the particular feature, structure, or feature. Phrases such as "various embodiments" indicate that embodiments described herein may include a particular feature, structure, or feature, but do not necessarily imply that all embodiments include that particular feature, structure, or feature. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one example," or "in alternative embodiments" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "preferably," "generally," and "typically" are not used to limit the scope of the disclosure herein or to imply that any particular component is critical, essential, or essential to the structure or function of the disclosure. Rather, these terms are intended to highlight alternative or additional components that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. However, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that the disclosure will be practical, feasible, and complete. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting the scope of the disclosure and any equivalents thereof. Furthermore, many embodiments, including adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless expressly defined herein, these terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary and accustomed meaning.

[0033] Consistent with applicable practice in the relevant industry, and not limited to the specific embodiments described below. As used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one and only," "single," or similar language is used. When used herein to connect a list of items, the term "or" refers to one or more of the items in the list, but does not exclude a plurality of items in the list.

[0034] In the exemplary methods or processes of the disclosure described herein, the order and / or arrangement of steps described therein is exemplary and not limiting. Thus, even if various process or method steps are shown and described in an order or temporal arrangement, it should be understood that the steps of such process or method are not limited to being performed in that particular order or arrangement, unless specifically indicated otherwise. In fact, it is common for steps in such processes or methods to be performed in a variety of different orders and arrangements while still being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Furthermore, any mention of advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present disclosure is not intended to assert that the disclosure has been made or that any testing has been conducted. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or past tense) indicates that the disclosure has been made or that any testing has been conducted. , or is not intended to be implied.

[0036] For a better understanding of the present disclosure and its operation, reference is now made to the drawings, in which FIGS. 1-9 illustrate various perspectives of a valve assembly 11 and its components, collectively referred to as a fluid flow control and conservation system 10. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a valve assembly 11 that forms part of the fluid flow control and conservation system 10. As also shown in FIG. 4, the valve assembly 11 generally comprises a cam block 20, a valve liner 30, a valve body 40, a spring 13, a shaft 12, an O-ring 160, and a valve cover. The fluid flow control and conservation system 10 generally serves to control the flow of fluid (typically water, not shown) into a structure, such as a residence, and is configured to conserve fluid by allowing fluid entry only when the structure requires it. The preferred system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes the valve assembly 11 and a manifold 124 equipped with a flow meter 148.

[0037] Valve wells 133 and flow meter wells 138 are disposed in, respectively, manifold 124. Valve assembly 11 is configured (i.e., sized, shaped, or otherwise capable) to manage fluid flow by restricting fluid flow through system 10, i.e., by restricting fluid flow through valve wells 133 when valve body 40 is in the closed position as shown.

[0038] 8. Flow meter 148 is positioned and configured to measure and detect various parameters of the fluid flowing through system 10. Flow meter 148 is preferably located downstream of valve assembly 11 and includes an O-ring 160, a flow meter cover 149, and a Hall sensor (not shown).

[0039] 2 is a perspective rear view showing the top of manifold 124 of fluid control and storage system 10, with valve assembly 11 and flow meter 148 not shown positioned in their respective wells. Manifold 124 preferably includes valve wells 133 configured to receive valve assembly 11 and flow meter wells 138 configured to receive flow meter 148.

[0040] 148. The manifold 124 is generally box-shaped and has a front wall 125, a rear wall 126, a left side wall 127, a right side wall 128, a top surface 129, and a bottom surface 130. The left wall 127 of the manifold 124 defines an external inlet port 131 configured to connect to a main fluid supply line (typically a water supply line) for the structure (not shown). In one or more alternative embodiments (not shown), the external inlet port 131 may be configured to facilitate fluid connection with other hardware, such as a fluid supply module or an adapter module for connecting to the main fluid supply line. The right wall 128 of the manifold 124 defines an external outlet port 142 configured to connect to a fluid supply pipe (not shown) for the structure or hardware enabling this. The external inlet port 131 and the external outlet port 142 are in fluid communication with each other through a series of conduits 134, 137, 141 formed in the manifold 124. Fluid valve well 133 and flow meter well 138 are located between external inlet 131 and external outlet 142 and are in fluid communication with one another by a series of conduits 134, 137, 141. While not shown, one or more embodiments of manifold 124 may preferably include additional connectors, adapters, etc. to facilitate a wide range of connectivity via inlet port 131 and / or outlet port 142, as desired by the user. In one preferred embodiment, manifold 124 includes gaskets, fasteners, and connector bodies, most preferably either Presta or Schrader valve styles.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of manifold 124 of fluid control and storage system 10, with valve assembly 11 and flow meter 148 shown in corresponding valve well 133 and flow meter well 138, respectively. A preferred valve well 133 has an open upper end 133a (as shown in FIG. 2) and a closed lower end 133b. The closed bottom 133b of valve well 133 has a smaller diameter than the open upper end 133a, forming a frusto-conical well with sloped sidewalls 113. As described below, valve assembly 11 is configured (i.e., in terms of size, shape, and other characteristics) to form a corresponding frusto-conical shape that can be fitted into and positioned within valve well 133. Bottom 133b of valve well 133 preferably includes at least one protrusion 134 for securely retaining valve assembly 11. Other features (e.g., other features) form a corresponding frusto-conical shape that can be fitted into valve well 133. The bottom 133b of the valve well 133 preferably includes one or more downwardly directed projections 132 configured to receive a portion of a valve assembly component disposed within the valve well 133. As will be appreciated, a projection 132, 168 is formed by each well 133, 138, such that the internal opening of the one or more downwardly directed projections is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, or otherwise capable) to receive, support, or generally retain the shaft 12 of the valve assembly 11, the threaded fasteners 18 and inserts 19 for retaining the cam block 20, or the projections 29 that provide anti-rotational stability for the cam block 20. A preferred flow meter well 138 is disposed downstream of the valve well 133 and configured to accommodate an impeller or flow meter 148. The flow meter well 138 defines an open upper end 138a (see FIG. 2) and a closed lower end 138b (see FIG. 3). The closed bottom 138b of the flow meter well 138 is preferably provided with one or more downward protrusions 168 configured to receive a portion of the flow meter 148, thereby ensuring that the flow meter 148 can rotate freely within the flow meter well 138.

[0042] Fluid (typically water) flows through system 10, preferably entering through external inlet port 131 and exiting through external outlet port 142. Fluid (not shown) entering through external inlet port 131 from a fluid supply line (not shown) passes through conduit 134 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to valve well 133. Valve well 133 further defines valve well inlet 135 and opposing valve well outlet 136. Fluid continues to flow downstream through valve well inlet 135 and, when valve assembly 11 is actuated, is positioned in an open position, through valve assembly L1, and out valve well outlet 136 to conduit 137, thereby providing fluid communication between valve well 133 and flow meter well 138. In another embodiment, valve well 133 may define multiple valve well inlets 135 or multiple valve well outlets 136 (not shown). Flow meter well 138 defines flow meter well inlet port 139 and opposing flow meter well outlet port 140. The fluid again continues downstream through conduit 137, meter well inlet port 139, flow meter 148, and out through meter well outlet port 140 to conduit 141. Conduit 141 provides fluid communication between meter well 138 and external outlet port 142 of manifold 124. This path may be referred to as a flow path. In another embodiment, meter well 138 may define multiple meter inlet ports 139 or multiple meter outlet ports 140.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure storage tank 150 is connected to conduit 137 to allow fluid communication between valve well 133 and flow meter well 138 .

[0044] The pressure storage tank 150 is removably attached to the bottom surface 130 of the manifold 124 by a threaded connection, a quick-connect fitting, a bayonet fitting, a waterproof friction joint, or other similar known connection methods used in the industry. The pressure storage tank 150 is in fluid communication with the conduit 137, allowing fluid communication between the valve well 133 and the flow meter well 138 via a pressure tank port 151, and maintains sufficient fluid pressure within the system 10 when the valve assembly 11 is in the open position shown in FIG. 9 or the closed position shown in FIG. 8. The pressure storage tank 150 also provides instantaneous full flow without a drop in inlet pressure while the valve is reconfigured from the closed position to the open position. The pressure storage tank 150 functions as a water hammer prevention device, absorbing pressure waves, or water hammer, that occur when the valve assembly is rapidly reconfigured from the open position to the closed position.

[0045] The system 10 may include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to monitor and measure parameters of the fluid flow at various locations along the flow path. The one or more sensors may monitor and measure parameters such as pressure, flow rate, temperature, fluid level, and the position of the valve assembly 11 (i.e., whether the assembly is in an open or closed position).

[0046] Position sensors are located within the system 10, or in some embodiments, within a structure (not shown) requiring the fluid. These sensors typically detect various parameters and transmit this information to a control unit (not shown) located within the system 10. One or more sensors may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown) on the system 10 to communicate with the control unit. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an optical sensor 67 is located near the valve assembly 11 to measure and detect the orientation of the valve body 40 within the valve assembly 11. A preferred optical sensor 67 is a transmission-type sensor configured to detect a sensing element 68 attached to a portion of the valve assembly 11. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing element 68 may be fixed to the shaft 12 of the valve assembly 11 and configured to rotate with the shaft 12 and the valve body 40. The optical sensor 67 then detects the rotation and determines the position of the valve body 40 within the valve assembly 11. In a preferred embodiment, the flow meter 148 also includes a sensor for measuring and detecting the flow rate of the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the flow meter 148 utilizes a Hall effect sensor (not shown), as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Although Hall sensors are preferred, other sensors may be used to detect and measure the flow rate of fluid along the flow path, including but not limited to ultrasonic flow meters, vortex flow meters, orifice flow meters, etc.

[0047] The valve assembly 11 can be manually actuated (i.e., opened and closed) via a handle 66 attached near the upper end of the shaft 12. Additionally or alternatively, the valve assembly 11 can include a motor assembly 64, which allows the valve assembly 11 to be remotely actuated (i.e., opened and closed) via a gear assembly (not shown) configured to facilitate rotation of the shaft 12. The gear assembly rotates the valve body 40 and sensing element 68 without rotating the valve liner 30 and cam block 20. The motor assembly 64, although not shown, typically includes the following components: a motor, a motor housing, a gear assembly, and a control unit electrically connected to the motor and configured to provide commands for driving the gear assembly. The motor assembly 64 can rotate the shaft 12 of the valve assembly 11. Rotation of the shaft 12 rotates the valve body 40 within the valve liner 30, thereby moving the valve body 40 between an open position (FIG. 9) and a closed position (FIG. 8).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, a preferred valve assembly 11 includes a cam block 20, a valve liner 30, a valve body 40, a spring 13, a shaft 12, an O-ring 160, and a valve cover 70 (FIG. 1). In a preferred embodiment, sidewall 113 defining valve well 133 has an angled profile that matches sidewall 21 of cam block 20, sidewall 31 of valve liner 30, and sidewall 41 of valve body 40, allowing valve assembly 11 to fit into valve well 133. In a preferred embodiment, cam block 20 is secured to the bottom of valve well 133 via insert 19 and fastener 18 (FIG. 6A), and then valve liner 30 is placed on top of cam block 20, so that low recess 37 of the liner fits into low protrusion 25 of the cam, as described below. The cam block 20 and valve liner 30 are constructed and arranged so that, when the valve assembly 11 is fully assembled, the cam block 20 and valve liner 30 cannot rotate or move vertically or horizontally within the valve well 133. Once the valve liner 30 is placed on the cam block 20, the valve body 40 is preferably placed within the valve liner 30 so that the low protrusion 52 of the valve body fits within the low protrusion 77 of the valve liner 30. The valve body 40 is rotatable within the valve liner 30 and is preferably made of the same material as the valve liner 30 to reduce wear on the valve body 40 and valve liner 30 as the valve body 40 rotates within the valve liner 30. The spring 13 is positioned around the shaft 12 below the spacer 14 and secured by the upper retaining clip 80. When the shaft 12 is inserted into the valve body 40, the spring 13 sits above the upper bore 46 and presses the valve body 40 toward the bottom of the valve liner 30. An upper retaining clip 80 is positioned between the spacers 14 to prevent inadvertent movement of the spring 13. The upper retaining clip 80 prevents the shaft 12 from being pulled out of the valve assembly 11 during actuation and forms an airtight seal to prevent fluid leakage.The shaft 12 preferably includes a pair of hexagonal stops 15, 16 that frictionally fit within the upper and lower bores 46, 47 of the valve body 40, respectively, to form a seal between the shaft 12 and the valve body 40 upon rotation, preventing displacement of the valve body 40 from the shaft 12 under any force. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower hexagonal stop 16 defines a groove configured (i.e., sized, shaped, or otherwise) to receive a bottom retaining clip 81. The bottom retaining clip 81 is ideally located near the bottom of the shaft 12, between the valve liner 30 and the valve body 40, and engages the bottom 82 of the valve body 40 (see FIG. 5B) to assist in movement of the valve body 40 from the closed position.

[0049] Lifting the valve body 40 effectively reduces friction between one or more of the inclined surfaces 61 on the valve liner 30 and one or more of the inclined surfaces 75 on the valve liner 30, allowing for transition from a closed to an open configuration. Reducing friction between the inclined surfaces 61 and 75 reduces wear on the components and facilitates rotation of the valve body 40 as it transitions from a closed to an open configuration. The retaining clips 80, 81 are used to prevent excessive movement of the various components of the assembly 11 by restricting axial movement of the various components of the assembly 11 while facilitating rotation of the shaft 12. Another purpose of the retaining clips 80, 81 is to limit loosening of the components of the assembly 11 due to sudden rotational movements that the assembly 11 may be subjected to. The retaining clips 80 and 81 are preferably three-pronged press-formed clips, often referred to as circlips, E-clips, or C-clips. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the retaining clips 80, 81 is expanded to fit over the shaft 12 and then compressed to fit snugly into a groove formed in the shaft 12 to receive the at least one retaining clip 80, 81. As will be described below, and as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the valve body 40 not only rotates within the valve liner 30 but also moves vertically via the valve body protrusions 49. When the valve assembly 11 is in the open position, the valve body 40 rests slightly above the valve liner 30. When the valve assembly 11 is in the closed position, the valve body 40 rests at the bottom of the valve liner 30, at the lowest possible position.

[0050] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the top of the valve body 40, FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the bottom of the valve body 40, and FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the preferred valve body 40 taken along line CC in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5A, the preferred valve body 40 generally has an upper portion 40a and a lower portion 40b, as also shown in the side view of FIG. 4, with a sidewall 41 extending therebetween. The sidewall 41 of the preferred valve body has an angular shape that matches the sidewall 31 of the valve liner 30, which in turn has an angular shape that matches the sidewall 113 of the valve well 133. The sidewall 41 of the valve body 40 preferably defines two opposing openings 42, 42′ that are configured to align (i.e., match in size, shape, or otherwise) with the valve well inlet 135 and valve well outlet 136 of the manifold 124 when disposed in the open position. In other embodiments, the valve body 40 may define more than two openings, for example, three openings (not shown). The valve body 40 , includes an upper support portion 44 and a lower support portion 45 that extend between the two openings 42, 42' and form a passageway 43 for fluid flow.

[0051] through the valve body 40 when the openings 42, 42' defined in the sidewall 41 are aligned with the openings 32, 32' in the valve liner 30. In another embodiment, if the valve body 40 defines three openings, the valve liner 30 also defines three openings (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5C, the upper support portion 44 and the lower support portion 45 define an upper hole 46 and a lower hole 47, respectively, through the center of the upper bore of the upper support portion 44 and the lower support portion 45, respectively. The upper hole 46 and the lower hole 47 are preferably sized and shaped to receive at least one of the shaft opening 27 of the cam block 20, the opening 35 through the bottom portion 30b of the valve liner 30, and the downwardly extending protrusion 132, preferably the central protrusion 132b, of the valve well 133. In a preferred embodiment, the upper hole 46 and the lower hole 47 define a hexagon, although in other embodiments, the upper hole 46 and the lower hole 47 define other polygonal shapes. The upper and lower supports 44 and 45 preferably further define a plurality of holes 48 so that fluid flowing through the valve well 133 can surround the entire valve body 40 when the valve body 40 is in the open position ( FIG. 9 ). This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows fluid to flow through the flow passage 43 defined by the upper and lower supports 44 and 45 and further outside the sidewall 41 of the valve body 40, thereby preventing the buildup of minerals present in the fluid. The bottom portion 40b is provided with one or more valve body protrusions 49, which may take various shapes, such as lobes, bevels, or teeth, designed to engage with raised liner protrusions 74 (comprising low and high liner protrusion regions 77 and 78) formed on the upper surface 87 of the bottom portion 30b of the valve liner 30. As shown in FIG. 5B , the valve body protrusions 49 of the valve body 40 have generally beveled surfaces 50 and substantially vertical surfaces 51 (e.g., ±5 degrees). In a preferred embodiment, the valve body projection 49 of the valve body 40 includes two low valve body projection regions 52 and two high valve body projection regions 53 .In this preferred embodiment, the low valve body protrusion regions 52 and the high valve body protrusion regions 53 are alternately positioned in opposing relationship around the valve body 40, with two low valve body protrusion regions 52 positioned opposite each other and a high valve body protrusion region 53 similarly positioned in opposing relationship therebetween. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, cavities or spaces are provided between each upper end 40a and upper support portion 44, and between each lower end 40b and lower support portion 45, which allow fluid flow through fluid holes 48 and help stabilize pressure within system 10 when valve assembly 11 is opened or closed.

[0052] 6A and 6B show perspective views of the top and bottom sides of the cam block 20, respectively. The cam block 20, as also shown in the side view of FIG. 4, has an upper end 20a and a lower end 20b, forming a circular body with a sidewall 21 extending therebetween. The cam block 20 is positioned in the bottom 133b of the valve well 133 and is configured (i.e., sized, shaped, or otherwise capable of) resisting horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement. The upper end 20a may be provided with one or more raised cam projections 22 to transfer force or torque from the valve liner 30 to the cam block 20 and prevent rotational movement of the valve liner 30. The raised cam projections 22 are formed on the outermost edge of the upper end 20a and can take various shapes, such as lobes, ramps, or teeth. They are designed to engage with valve liner recesses 36 formed in the bottom 30b of the valve liner 30. The raised cam projection 22 generally has an inclined surface 23 and a substantially perpendicular surface 24 (e.g., ±5 degrees). In a preferred embodiment, the raised cam projection 22 of the cam block 20 includes two low cam projection regions 25 and two high cam projection regions 26. In this preferred embodiment, the low cam projection regions 25 and the high cam projection regions 26 are alternately arranged in opposing relationship around the cam block 20, with two low cam projection regions 25 positioned opposite each other and two high cam projection regions 26 similarly positioned in opposing relationship therebetween. The cam block 20 preferably defines a central planar portion 20c through which two openings are formed: a shaft opening 27 and a fastener opening 28. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft opening 27 is a circular opening through the center of the cam block 20 for receiving a shaft. The fastener opening 28 is a countersunk hole offset from the center to receive a threaded fastener that prevents the cam block 20 from rotating within the valve well 133. The cam block 20 can be secured to the bottom of the valve well 133 using any type of mechanical fastener 18, but it is preferred that the cam block 20 be secured using a stainless steel screw 18 with an insert 19 configured to form a secure base for the fastener 18.As can be seen from the bottom view of FIG. 6B, the preferred cam block 20 includes a downwardly extending projection 29 offset from the center of the bottom end 20b, which is configured to further prevent rotation of the cam block 20 when the cam block 20 is mated with the projection 132c (FIG. 3) in the valve well 133.

[0053] 7A and 7B show perspective views of the top and bottom sides of the valve liner 30, respectively, and FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve liner 30. The valve liner 30 is preferably disposed within the valve well 133 and positioned above the cam block 20. As also shown in the side view of FIG. 4, the valve liner 30 includes a closed bottom portion 30b, an open top portion 30a, and a sidewall 31 extending therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall 31 of the valve liner 30 defines two openings 32, 32′ located on opposite sides of the valve liner 30. These two openings 32, 32′ are configured to align (i.e., are compatible in size, shape, or otherwise) with the valve well inlet 135 and the valve well outlet 136 when assembled into the valve well 133.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the valve liner 30 includes a collar 33 that extends vertically outward from the upper end of the open top 30a of the valve liner sidewall 31 and defines a plurality of fastener holes 33a. When the valve liner 30 is inserted into the valve well 133, the collar 33 remains outside the valve well 133 and fits within the top surface 129 of the manifold.

[0055] A plurality of fastener holes 33a formed in the collar 33 are configured to align with a corresponding number of fastener holes 233 formed in the top surface 129 of the manifold 124 surrounding the valve well 133. In a preferred embodiment, the collar 33 extending from the upper end of the valve liner 30 and the top surface 129 of the manifold 124 each define eight fastener holes 33a, 233, which are configured to receive mechanical fasteners 103 (FIG. 1) and limit vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement of the valve liner 30 within the valve well 133. The valve liner 30 also defines a single opening 35 through the center of its bottom 30b, through which the shaft 12 extends. The valve liner opening 35 aligns with the shaft opening 27 of the cam block 20 and is configured to receive a portion of the shaft 12 during assembly.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7B , the bottom 30b of the valve liner 30 defines a central planar portion 30c around which one or more liner recesses 36 are disposed. These liner recesses 36 are configured (i.e., by size, shape, and other capabilities) to match and mate with the central planar portion 20c of the cam block 20 and the raised cam projections 22 formed on the upper end 20a of the cam block 20, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the liner recesses 36 on the bottom 30b of the valve liner 30 include two oppositely disposed low liner recess regions 37 and two oppositely disposed high liner recess regions 38. In this preferred embodiment, the low liner recess regions 37 and the high liner recess regions 38 are alternately disposed, such that two low liner recess regions 37 are positioned opposite each other and the high liner recess regions 38 are similarly formed opposite each other therebetween. The liner recess 36 also defines an inclined surface 61 and a substantially vertical surface 62 (e.g., ±5 degrees) that match and mate with the cam projection 22 to prevent rotational movement of the valve liner 30. The lower liner recess area 37 is configured to match and mate with the lower cam projection area 25 to limit rotational movement of the valve liner 30 and prevent unbalanced pressures caused by fluid flow from displacing the valve liner 30 vertically or horizontally. The liner recess 36 on the outer bottom surface 88 (FIG. 7C) of the lower end 30b of the valve liner 30 forms a corresponding liner projection 74 of comparable size on the inner top surface 87 (FIG. 7C) of the lower end 30b of the valve liner 30. In a preferred embodiment, the liner protrusions 74 on the inner upper surface 87 of the bottom end 30b of the valve liner 30 are configured to define two low liner protrusion regions 77 and two high liner protrusion regions 78. These liner protrusions 74 on the inner upper surface 87 of the bottom end 30b are configured to match and mate with the valve body protrusions 49 formed on the bottom end 40b of the valve body 40.

[0057] Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve liner 30 taken along line CC in Figure 7A. As shown in Figure 7C, the inner upper surface 87 of the bottom portion 30b of the valve liner 30 may be provided with a plurality of liner protrusions 74 configured to mate with (i.e., compatible in size, shape, etc.) the plurality of valve body protrusions 49 of the valve body 40. The liner protrusions 74 may include a pair of oppositely arranged low and high liner protrusion regions 77 and 78, respectively, to mate with and mate with the plurality of valve body protrusions 49 of the valve body 40. Other possible configurations may be used to mate with and mate with the plurality of valve body protrusions 49 of the valve body 40. The liner protrusions 74 include a pair of oppositely arranged low and high liner protrusion regions 77 and 78, which have one or more inclined surfaces 75 and one or more vertical surfaces 76. While in some embodiments the liner projections 74 and liner recesses 36 may have different sizes, in a preferred embodiment the configuration (i.e., size, shape, orientation, and positioning) of the plurality of liner projections 74 is such that the plurality of valve body projections 49 match and interlock. The collar 33 near the upper end 30 a may include a seal ridge 39 to further seal the top of the valve assembly 11 when the valve cover 70 is secured to the manifold 124 via fasteners 103. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft opening 35 defines a circular opening through the center of the lower end 30 b.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a front view (partially dotted) of the valve assembly 11 in the closed position. When the valve assembly 11 is closed, fluid does not flow through the system 10, i.e., the valve well 133. When the valve assembly 11 is positioned within the valve well 133, the cam block 20 and valve liner 30 are constructed and arranged to prevent vertical and horizontal movement and rotation. In a preferred embodiment, two openings 32, 32′ formed in the side wall 31 of the valve liner 30 can be aligned with the valve well inlet 135 and the valve well outlet 136 when the valve assembly 11 is configured in both the open and closed positions. As the valve assembly 11 moves between the open position (FIG. 9) and the closed position (FIG. 8) with a quarter-turn of the shaft 12, the valve body 40 rotates and displaces vertically (i.e., lowers). More specifically, as the preferred valve body 40 rotates, the angled surfaces 75 of the liner projection 74 preferably frictionally engage and slide along the angled surfaces 50 of the valve body projection 49, causing the liner projection peaks 78 to mate and interlock with the valve body projection peaks 53, causing the valve body 40 to drop (i.e., move vertically) to its lowest point within the valve liner 30. When the valve assembly 11 is in the closed position, the valve body 40 is oriented such that the two solid portions of the sidewall 31 fit into and block the two openings 32, 32′ in the valve liner 30, forming a seal 60 (preferably a fluid-tight seal) to restrict fluid flow between the valve well inlet 135 and the valve well outlet. 136. The side walls 41 of the valve body 40 match the angular configuration of the side walls 31 of the valve liner 30, so that as the valve body 40 drops onto the valve liner 30, the side walls 41 of the valve body form a wedge effect, forcing the side walls 41 of the valve body 40 against the side walls 31 of the valve liner 30, forming a tight (ideally fluid-tight) seal 60 that closes the two openings 32, 32′ in the valve liner side walls 31. The side walls 41 of the valve body 40 pressing against the side walls 31 of the valve liner 30 effectively seals the openings 32, 32′ in the valve liner 30, blocking fluid flow through the inlet 135 of the valve well 133.In the closed position shown in FIG. 8, the low liner projections 77 mate and mate with the low valve body projections 52 and the high liner projections 78 mate and mate with the high valve body projections 53 .

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a front view, partially shown in dotted lines, of the valve assembly 11 in the open position. When the valve assembly 11 is open, fluid flows through the system 10 and into the structure. When the valve assembly 11 is positioned within the valve well 133, the cam block 20 and valve liner 30 are constructed and arranged to prevent vertical and horizontal movement and rotation. In a preferred embodiment, two openings 32, 32' formed in the sidewall 31 of the valve liner 30 provide access to the valve well inlet 135 and the valve well outlet 136 when the valve assembly 11 is configured in both the open and closed positions. More specifically, when the valve assembly 11 is in the open position, the sidewall 41 of the valve body 40 disengages from the sidewall 31 of the valve liner 30, breaching the seal 60 and allowing fluid flow between the valve well inlet 135 and the valve well outlet 136. Disengagement of the sidewalls 31, 41' reduces frictional wear between the valve body 40 and the valve liner 30 when switching between the open and closed positions. As the valve assembly 11 moves between the open and closed positions with a quarter-turn of the shaft 12, the valve body 40 rotates and displaces vertically (i.e., rises). More specifically, as the preferred valve body 40 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the angled surface 75 of the liner projection 74 preferably frictionally engages with the angled surface 50 of the valve body projection 49 until the high portion of the liner projection 78 and the low portion of the valve body projection 52 coincide and interlock. This causes the valve body 40 to rise (i.e., move vertically) above the bottom surface 88 of the lower end 30b of the valve liner 30. When the valve assembly 11 is in the open position, the valve body 40 is oriented such that the two openings 42, 42' defined in the valve body sidewall 41 are aligned with the two openings 32, 32' in the valve liner 30. 9, in the open position, the tall protrusion 53 of the valve body drops onto the short protrusion 77 of the liner, and the short protrusion 52 of the valve body is held above the tall protrusion 78 of the liner (i.e., in a floating position). This relationship keeps the valve body 40 a fixed distance from the bottom surface 88 of the valve liner 30 (i.e., floating).As previously mentioned, the raised position of the valve body 40 in the open state not only promotes fluid flow through the passages 43 formed in the valve body 40, but also directs the flow around the outside of the side wall 41 of the valve body 40 via the holes 48, preventing mineral buildup. This prevention of mineral buildup improves the reliability of the valve assembly 11.

[0060] As will be appreciated during assembly of the system 10, and particularly the valve assembly 11 within the manifold 124, the insert 19 (FIG. 6A) is placed within the protrusion 132a on the bottom 133b of the valve well 133, followed by the cam block 20, which is then placed within the valve well 133, aligning each fastener hole 28 with the insert 19 to receive the fastener 18. The valve liner 30 is then placed within the valve well 133, ensuring that the liner recesses 36 align with and fit within the cam protrusions 22. This ensures that the openings 32, 32' are aligned with the valve intake port 135 and the valve exhaust port 136, and that the bore 33a is aligned with the bore 233 in the manifold 124. The valve body 40 is then placed within the valve liner 30, ensuring that the valve body protrusions 49 are aligned with and seal against the liner protrusions 74. Specifically, the high protrusion 53 of the valve body 40 mates with the high protrusion 78 of the liner 30, and the low protrusion 52 of the valve body 40 mates with the low protrusion 77 of the liner 30, resulting in the closed position shown in FIG. 8. In this closed position, the openings 42, 42' are not aligned with the openings 32, 32' of the valve liner 30, and the sidewall 41 blocks the corresponding openings 32, 32', preventing fluid passage. This blocks the openings 32' and forms the seal 60. The upper retaining clip 80, which holds the spacer 14 and spring 13, is then placed on the shaft 12, after which the shaft 12 is inserted into the upper and lower bores 46, 47. This creates a friction fit between the hexagonal stops 15, 16 and the upper and lower bores 46, 47 of the valve body 40, respectively. As is well known, as the shaft 12 rotates, the spring 13 is compressed between the spacer 14 and the upper bore 46 when the valve body 40 rotates to the open position, and is released when the valve body 40 rotates back to the closed position, securely fixing the valve body 40 within the valve liner 30. The lower end 12b of the shaft 12 passes through the opening 35 in the valve liner 30 and the shaft opening 27 in the cam block 20, and is fitted into a protrusion 132b on the bottom 133b of the valve well 133.As shown in FIG. 1 , O-ring 160 is placed prior to attachment of valve cover 70 with fasteners 103 and motor assembly 64, as well as each optical sensor 67, sensing element 68, and handle 66 to upper end 12a of shaft 12. While not shown or described, it will be understood that additional components, covers, or attachments may be included as part of the fully assembled system 10. Actuation of valve assembly 11 consists of a quarter turn, either manually or by motorized means, to either close or open the fluid pathways through each conduit and opening within system 10, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , providing an enhanced fluid conservation system as described herein. In the open position, shown in FIG. 9 , openings 42, 42′ are aligned with corresponding openings 32, 32′ in valve liner 30. Although not shown, openings 42, 42′ are also aligned with valve well inlet 135 and valve well outlet 136 of valve well 133, allowing fluid flow through system 10.

[0061] It is understood that the inclined surfaces 23, 61, 75, and 50 described in this specification are preferably all formed at the same angle regardless of their respective high and low positions (protruding / recessed positions). This is to aid in the fit-up of the respective components, i.e., the cam block 20, the valve liner 30, and the valve body 40, and further to aid in the rotational force of the valve body 40.

[0062] This occurs within the valve liner 30 as the ramp 50 moves along the ramp 75 when the valve assembly 11 is opened or closed. As shown in the closed position in FIG. 8, the angular alignment of the components also forms a seal 60, sealing the valve body 40 within the valve liner 30 to prevent fluid flow when closed. While other angles and placements of the high or low protrusions or recesses are contemplated, they are not preferred due to the priorities of reducing the forces experienced by the valve assembly 11 during operation and the pressure within the fluid flow control and maintenance system when the valve assembly 11 is opened or closed.

[0063] The figures and examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. The fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance system (10) includes: a manifold (124) comprising an external inlet port (131), an external outlet port (142), a plurality of conduits (134, 137, 141) enabling fluid communication between the external inlet port (131) and the external outlet port (142), and a valve well (133) disposed between the external inlet port (131) and the external outlet port (142) and in fluid communication with the plurality of conduits (134, 137, 141), the valve well (133) enabling fluid communication between the external inlet port (131) and the external outlet port (142); a valve assembly (11) disposed within a valve well (133), the valve assembly (11) including a cam block (20), a valve liner (30), a valve body (40), a shaft (12), a spring (13), and a valve cover (70); and Here, the cam block (20) and valve liner (30) are disposed within the valve well (133) and do not rotate within the valve well (133), while the shaft (12) is rotatable, causing the valve body (40) to rotate within the valve liner (30) between an open position and a closed position.

2. In the system of claim 1, the cam block (20) includes one or more raised cam projections (22) defining an inclined surface (23) and a substantially vertical surface (24).

3. In the system of claim 2, the one or more raised cam projections (22) define at least one low cam projection area (25) and at least one high cam projection area (26).

4. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface (88) of the valve liner (30) includes one or more liner recesses (36) that define an inclined surface (61) and a substantially vertical surface (62).

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more liner recesses (36) define at least one low liner recess area (37) and at least one high liner recess area (38).

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve body (40) includes an upper support (44) and a lower support (45), which support the sidewalls of the valve body (40). A channel (43) is formed between the openings (42, 42') defined in (41).

7. In the system of claim 1, the open position is defined when the openings (42, 42') formed in the sidewall (41) of the valve body (40) align the valve well inlet (135) and the valve well outlet (136) to allow fluid flow.

8. In the system of claim 1, the closed position is defined when the side wall (41) of the valve disc (40) faces the valve well inlet (135) and the valve well outlet (136), and the side wall (41) of the valve disc (40) presses against the side wall (31) of the valve liner (30). The closed position is defined when the side wall (41) of the valve disc (40) presses against the side wall (31) of the valve liner (30) to form a seal (60) that prevents fluid flow through the valve well (133).

9. In the system of claim 1, the spring (13) is disposed above the valve body (40) and pushes the valve body (40) to drop into the valve liner (30).

10. A valve assembly (11) disposed within a valve well (133) of a fluid flow management control and leak detection and maintenance system (10), the valve assembly (11) including: a cam block (20) defining a plurality of cam projections (22) on an upper portion (20a); The valve liner (30) defines a plurality of liner recesses (36) on a bottom surface (88) of the lower end (30b) of the valve liner (30) configured to mate with a plurality of cam projections (22), and the plurality of liner recesses (36) form a plurality of equally sized liner projections (74) on an upper surface (87) of the bottom (30b) of the valve liner (30); a valve body (40) defining a plurality of valve body projections (49) configured to mate with and mate with said plurality of liner projections (74); The shaft (12) is connected to the valve body (40), the valve liner (30), and the cam block. a rotatable shaft (12) disposed through (20), such that rotation of the shaft (12) rotates the valve body (40) between an open position and a closed position; A spring (13) is disposed on the shaft (12) and above the valve body (40) to push the valve body (40) downward; and A valve cover (70) positioned and secured above the valve well (133).

11. 11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the open position is defined by alignment of an opening (42, 42') in a side wall (41) of the valve body (40) with an opening (32, 32') in a side wall (31) of the valve liner (30).

12. In the valve assembly of claim 10, the closed position is defined by the side wall (41) of the valve body (40) being pressed against the side wall (31) of the valve liner (30), the side wall (41) of the valve body (40) and the side wall (31) of the valve liner (30) forming a seal (60) that restricts fluid flow through the valve well (133), and the side wall (31) of the valve liner (30) forming a seal (60) that restricts fluid flow through the valve well (133).

13. In the valve assembly of claim 10, the plurality of cam projections (22) further define a low cam projection region (25) and a high cam projection region (26).

14. In the valve assembly of claim 10, the plurality of liner projections (74) further define a low liner projection region (77) and a high liner projection region (78).

15. In the valve assembly of claim 10, the valve body projection (49) further defines a lower valve body projection region (52) and a higher valve body projection region (53).

16. In the valve assembly according to claim 10, the valve body (40) comprises an upper support (44) and a lower support (45), the upper support (44) and the lower support (45) forming a channel (43) between openings (42, 42') defined in a side wall (41) of the valve body (40).

17. In the valve assembly of claim 16, the upper support (44) defines an upper hole (46), the lower support (45) defines a lower hole (47), and the upper support (44) and the lower support (45) each define a plurality of holes (48) that allow fluid to flow around the valve body (40) through the flow path (43) when the valve body (40) is in an open position.

18. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the valve well (133) includes a well sidewall. (113) defines a frusto-conical shape such that the diameter of the bottom (133b) of the valve well (133) is smaller than the diameter of the top (133a) of the valve well (133).

19. A valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein the sidewall (31) of the valve liner (30) and the sidewall (41) of the valve body (40) match the frustoconical shape of the well sidewall (113).

20. In the valve assembly of claim 10, the valve assembly (11) further includes an optical sensor (67) and a sensing component (68) fixed to the shaft (12), and the optical sensor (67) detects the position of the sensing component (68) to determine the orientation of the valve body (40) within the valve liner (30).

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