Bypass Valve Float Reset for Vortex Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vortex flow control valves can fail due to blockages, leading to water accumulation in the collection chamber, making access difficult and potentially dangerous, and existing bypass valves may remain permanently open if not properly reset, preventing the vortex valve from operating.
Innovation Solution
A bypass valve with an opening actuator for remote operation and a closing actuator using a float to automatically return to the closed position when water levels rise, ensuring the valve remains closed without manual input, thus preventing accidental opening and allowing for safe drainage and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bypass valve is provided with a retention device to keep it open, then the collection chamber can be drained during blockage, but the bypass valve may remain permanently open if the operator forgets to release the retention device, preventing the vortex valve from operating
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is equipped with a float-actuated closing mechanism that automatically returns the valve to the closed position when the collection chamber water level rises. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual resetting and prevents the valve from remaining permanently open, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of drainage operation and reliability of vortex valve function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bypass valve is opened to drain the collection chamber during blockage, then water can be released safely, but the valve must be manually reset to closed position, requiring operator attention and potential re-entry into the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The float-actuated mechanism automatically closes the bypass valve when the collection chamber water level rises, eliminating the need for manual resetting. This self-service closing action saves operator time and eliminates the need for re-entry into the chamber, resolving the contradiction between safety during drainage and time loss for resetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism provides automatic feedback-based control: when the water level rises in the collection chamber, the float rises and automatically actuates the bypass valve to close. This feedback system ensures the valve is reset without manual intervention, resolving the time loss and safety issues associated with manual resetting.
3Ease of operation
If a remote actuation device is provided for opening the bypass valve, then the operator can open the valve without entering the water, but the valve lacks automatic closing capability, requiring manual reset
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining the remote actuation device for opening the bypass valve, the invention adds a float-actuated automatic closing mechanism. This self-service closing feature balances the device complexity by automating the closing function, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of remote operation and overall device complexity.
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
The bypass valve effectively drains the collection chamber and automatically resets to the closed position, ensuring the vortex valve operates correctly and preventing unintended opening, thereby maintaining system functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a closing actuator comprising a float for moving the bypass valve from the open position to the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
A bypass valve (21) for a vortex flow control valve, the bypass valve being movable between an open position and a closed position and comprising an opening actuator (23) for moving the valve (21) from the closed position to the open position, and a closing actuator comprising a float (24) for moving the valve (21) from the open position to the closed position.