Diaphragm Flush Valve Relief Control for Precise Flush Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unpredictability of the opening in the relief valve of existing flush valves due to variations in pressure and actuation methods leads to control and precision issues in fluid flow and flush cycle timing, making it difficult to manage the amount of fluid flowing through and the duration of the flush cycle.
Innovation Solution
A flush valve design featuring a diaphragm assembly with a primary and bypass opening, a relief valve with a stationary and rotatable valve element, and a motor-driven mechanism for precise control of fluid flow, allowing for accurate regulation of the flush volume and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional relief valve with a laterally displacing valve stem is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening of the relief valve is unpredictable due to pressure variations and actuation method differences, leading to poor control precision
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of laterally displacing the valve stem to open the relief valve, the patent inverts the mechanism by using vertical movement of a diaphragm assembly to lift the valve stem upward, thereby opening the relief valve. This inversion allows for more precise control through vertical diaphragm displacement while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic diaphragm assembly that can vertically displace to directly control the valve stem position. The diaphragm's vertical movement dynamically adjusts the relief valve opening degree, providing predictable and precise control over fluid flow while eliminating the unpredictability associated with lateral displacement mechanisms.
2Reliability
If manual lever arm actuation is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the actuation force and timing vary unpredictably, affecting flush cycle control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual lever arm actuation system with an automated solenoid-driven plunger mechanism. The solenoid electrically actuates the plunger to vertically displace the diaphragm assembly, providing consistent and predictable actuation force and timing for the relief valve, thereby ensuring reliable flush cycle timing while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve stem is laterally displaced to open the relief valve, then the mechanism is simple, but the opening size is difficult to control precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the valve stem movement from lateral to vertical direction. The vertical movement of the diaphragm assembly provides more precise control over the valve stem's upward displacement, enabling accurate control of the relief valve opening size. This vertical control mechanism achieves manufacturing precision without requiring complex lateral displacement control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm assembly serves as an intermediary between the actuation force and the valve stem. By vertically displacing the diaphragm, the system indirectly and precisely controls the valve stem's upward movement and the relief valve opening size, achieving precise control while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
4Reliability
If the diaphragm and disc are not sealed against the valve seat, then the structure allows easier movement, but fluid leakage occurs when the valve should be closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the traditional laterally moving valve stem mechanism and concentrates it in the vertically moving diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm and disc are sealed against the valve seat in the closed position, providing reliable sealing. When opened, the vertical movement cleanly separates the sealing surfaces, maintaining sealing reliability without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
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 design provides precise control over the opening of the relief valve, improving the predictability and control of fluid flow and flush cycle timing, enhancing the durability and reliability of the flush valve components.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation mechanism can be a motor coupled to a gear train, a solenoid, or other automated actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 2
The diaphragm assembly is disposed in the fluid passageway and moves between an opened position in which the disc of the diaphragm assembly is not in contact with the diaphragm valve seat and a closed position in which the disc of the diaphragm assembly is in contact with the diaphragm valve seat.
Data Source
AI summary
A flush valve includes a valve housing defining a fluid passageway between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid passageway includes a diaphragm valve seat disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The flush valve additionally includes a diaphragm assembly including a diaphragm and a disc. The diaphragm includes a primary opening and a bypass opening. The primary opening receives the disc therein and the bypass opening allowing water under pressure supplied to the fluid inlet to pass from a fluid inlet side of the diaphragm into a chamber in the fluid passageway. The flush valve additionally includes a relief valve configured to selectively control fluid flow from the chamber to the fluid outlet. The relief valve comprises a stationary valve element and a rotatable valve element each having at least one opening and being rotationally positionable relative to one another to regulate fluid flow.