Asymmetric Cam Mechanism for Pool Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution valves for swimming pools, despite their reliability, face inefficiencies in cleaning area coverage and energy consumption due to symmetrical cam configurations that allocate flow among multiple outlet ports, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric cam configuration with specific leading and trailing cam surface angles (46-52 degrees and 54-66 degrees respectively) is introduced, allowing sequential opening and closing of adjacent valve pairs, optimizing flow distribution between two adjacent outlet ports and reducing rotational torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a symmetrical cam configuration is used, then flow is allocated among multiple outlet ports (three ports), but cleaning efficiency and effective cleaning area are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a cam with non-uniform geometry where the cam profile is specifically shaped to control valve timing. The cam has varying radial distances from the rotation axis at different angular positions, creating asymmetric lift patterns that optimize the opening and closing sequence of outlet valves. This asymmetric design allows precise control over when each valve opens and closes, enabling flow to be allocated between only two adjacent outlet ports at any given time, thereby improving cleaning efficiency compared to symmetrical configurations.
2Area of stationary object
If flow is allocated among three outlet ports, then valve operation is simplified, but effective cleaning area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a timed valve operation system where the cam profile dynamically controls the opening and closing sequence of outlet valves. The cam's rotational motion creates varying lift heights and durations for different valves, enabling dynamic allocation of flow between two adjacent outlet ports. This dynamic control ensures that at any moment, flow is concentrated through optimally positioned ports, maximizing the effective cleaning area covered by the cleaner system.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical cam is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but cleaning performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cam's geometric parameters, specifically the radial distance from the rotation axis at various angular positions. The cam profile is designed with specific dimensional parameters that control the timing and duration of valve opening. By precisely controlling these geometric parameters during manufacturing, the system achieves accurate valve timing coordination without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The asymmetric parameters are optimized to ensure proper sequencing of valve operations for enhanced cleaning performance.
4Force
If rotational torque is increased, then valve actuation force is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the cam profile to gradually build valve lift rather than abruptly opening valves. The cam's asymmetric geometry creates a progressive lift sequence where valves begin opening in advance of peak flow requirements. This preliminary valve opening allows pressure to build gradually, reducing the peak torque required to actuate valves while still achieving the necessary valve opening force. The timed sequencing ensures valves are positioned optimally before full flow engagement, improving energy efficiency.
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 solution significantly enhances cleaning efficiency by increasing the effective cleaning area and reducing energy consumption, allowing for fewer cleaning heads, smaller plumbing components, and lower horsepower pumps, while maintaining equivalent cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
The opening and closing of the respective valve plates results from the contact between a cam follower (or lift pin) that contacts a cam surface mounted on a rotating plate which in turn is driven by the gear reduction mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The asymmetric cam device (6) operates to control the opening and closing of adjacent pairs of valves, with one valve opening while an adjacent valve is closing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved multi-port water distribution valve is disclosed together with the improved cam mechanism that significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the valve when used to distribute water to multiple sets of pop-up cleaning heads incorporated into the in-floor cleaning system of a swimming pool. Two forms of prior art distribution valves are disclosed as is the improved cam mechanism that, when used to replace the prior art cam in these devices, significantly improves their performance. Comparative data is provided demonstrating the results achieved with two different prior art valves operated with and without the improved cam. Embodiments of the invention suitable for use in existing six-port and five-port distribution valves are disclosed.