Control Valve Regeneration Frequency Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems have limited flexibility in adjusting the regeneration frequency, requiring disassembly and depressurization for disc changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential improper reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A control valve mechanism with a dual meter disc assembly allowing for external adjustment of the regeneration initiation slot position, enabling finer incremental adjustments from 15 to 330 degrees, allowing for more precise control of regeneration frequency without disassembly or depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single meter disc with fixed regeneration initiation slots is used, then the device can be manufactured and installed, but the regeneration frequency cannot be adjusted without disassembly and depressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the meter disc assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The operator can rotate the meter disc to different positions and lock it in place using an adjustment mechanism with a pawl and ratchet teeth, allowing the regeneration initiation slot to be positioned at different angular locations (15 to 330 degrees) without disassembling the device or depressurizing the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the meter disc into two functional parts: the disc itself with the regeneration initiation slot and the adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the disc to be independently adjusted to different positions while remaining part of the integrated assembly, enabling frequency adjustment without complete disassembly of the valve body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple meter discs with different slot configurations are provided, then different water chemistry conditions can be accommodated, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single meter disc assembly that can perform multiple functions through adjustment. Instead of providing multiple specialized discs for different water chemistry conditions, one universal adjustable disc can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various regeneration frequencies needed for different water hardness levels and chemistry conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the meter disc position (angular location of the regeneration initiation slot) to adapt to different operating conditions. By allowing continuous or discrete adjustment of the disc position, the system can optimize regeneration frequency for various water chemistry scenarios without requiring multiple pre-configured discs with different slot patterns.
3Measurement precision
If the meter disc is made adjustable externally, then finer incremental adjustments can be made, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-locking using a pawl and ratchet teeth system. Once the operator rotates the meter disc to the desired position, the pawl automatically engages with the ratchet teeth to lock the disc in place, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex fastening systems. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining the adjusted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism consisting of the pawl, ratchet teeth, and adjustment slot that mediates between the operator's rotational input and the meter disc's final positioned state. This intermediary mechanism enables precise angular positioning while keeping the overall structure relatively simple by using basic mechanical elements rather than complex electronic or hydraulic positioning systems.
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
Enables precise and flexible adjustment of regeneration frequency, improving operational efficiency and ease of use by allowing for incremental adjustments without disassembly, enhancing the system's adaptability to varying water chemistry conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A water flow responsive pawl mechanism advances a rotatable water usage meter assembly in response to water being treated by the water treatment system
Implementation Method 2
A return spring applies a force to reverse rotate the meter disc assembly to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve assembly including a water meter usage assembly including discs which are relatively positionable to adjust the frequency at which regeneration in a water treatment system starts. A regeneration control disc mounted coaxially with the meter disc assembly includes structure for releasing a drive mechanism associated with the meter disc assembly to rotate it back to a start position under a predetermined operating condition. The discs are releasably held in their relative positions by at least one pawl and at least one of the discs is rotatable relative to the other disc. The regeneration frequency is determined by an initiation slot in one of the discs and its operative position is determined by disc positions. The regeneration control disc is rotated by a pawl mechanism that is activated when an associated cam follower is received by the regeneration initiation slot formed in the water meter usage assembly.