Angled Pool Valve Module Sequential Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaning system valve assemblies rely on continuous water flow to maintain rotation, leading to reduced power and pressure due to split water flow between ports, and are difficult to repair or replace due to integrated wear surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A pool valve assembly with a conical outer plate and slider plate that allows sequential fluid communication between elongated outlet ports, featuring a variable pitch impeller and modular design for easy maintenance, where the slider plate rotates to direct water flow efficiently and the impeller adjusts for different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water flow is split between multiple ports in conventional valve assemblies, then all ports can receive water simultaneously, but the power and pressure of water flowing through each port is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly implements periodic action by sequentially directing water flow to different outlet ports through rotating components (impeller and slider plate). Instead of simultaneous distribution, the system cycles through ports in sequence, ensuring full water pressure is delivered to one port at a time while the rotating mechanism progressively activates additional ports, thereby maintaining high pressure while achieving comprehensive water distribution.
2Area of stationary object
If the valve assembly footprint is reduced, then space is saved, but the complexity of directing water flow to multiple ports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly applies nesting by placing the slider plate within the outer plate, creating a compact nested structure. The impeller is positioned within the slider plate assembly, and the entire valve module nests within the base. This nested arrangement reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the sequential flow distribution function through the concentric, space-efficient configuration of rotating and stationary components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve housing is directly coupled to plumbing for structural integrity, then the assembly is stable, but repair and replacement becomes difficult when wear surfaces are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly implements segmentation by dividing the system into distinct modular components: a base that remains fixed to the plumbing, a removable valve module containing the wear surfaces (outer plate, slider plate, impeller), and a cover. This segmentation allows the wear-prone valve module to be easily detached and replaced without disturbing the plumbing-connected base, thereby maintaining structural integrity while significantly improving ease of repair.
4Ease of operation
If the impeller rotates at constant speed, then the mechanism is simple to operate, but the water flow velocity and distribution control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly applies dynamics by implementing a variable speed impeller that can adjust its rotation rate. The control system varies the impeller speed to optimize water flow characteristics for different operating conditions, such as adjusting flow velocity to match demand patterns or optimizing the timing of port activation. This dynamic speed control enhances water flow efficiency and distribution while maintaining operational simplicity through automated or remote speed adjustment.
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
Enhances water flow efficiency by maintaining full pressure for longer periods in each outlet port, reduces the valve assembly's footprint, and allows for easy maintenance by decoupling the valve module from plumbing, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller rotatably coupled to the slider plate, the impeller rotatably responsive to water flowing into the slider plate inlet to rotate the slider plate
Data Source
AI summary
A pool valve module includes a conical outer plate, a conical slider plate, and an impeller. The outer plate includes an inlet port near a narrow end of the outer plate and a plurality of elongated outlet ports extending through the outer plate. The slider plate is rotatable within the outer plate and includes a slider plate outlet and a slider plate inlet. The impeller is rotatably coupled to the slider plate, and the slider plate rotates within the outer plate responsive to rotation of the impeller. The slider plate rotates between at least three positions: a first position that distributes water through a first outlet port but no other ports; a second position that distributes water through the first and second outlet ports but not other outlet ports; and a third position that distributes water through the second outlet port but no other outlet ports.