Diaphragm Valve Bleed-Hole Actuation for Low-Force Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm valves in ablutionary fittings require significant force to open and close, limiting design freedom and positioning of control mechanisms due to varying water pressure, and often necessitate a rigid connection along a straight line for force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm valve design featuring a moveable diaphragm with a control bleed hole and mechanical means to engage and move the diaphragm, allowing low-force actuation (≤10 Newtons) by combining mechanical movement with pressure differences, enabling flexible positioning of user control devices and reducing the force required for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional diaphragm valve is used to control water flow, then effective water flow control is achieved, but significant force is required to open and close the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operation is segmented into two independent functions: a closing member that opens/closes the control bleed hole to modify pressure, and mechanical means that directly engage and move the diaphragm. This segmentation allows the closing member to operate with low force (≤10 Newtons) while the mechanical means provide the additional force needed to move the diaphragm against water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control bleed hole acts as an intermediary mechanism between the closing member and the diaphragm. By opening or closing this bleed hole, the closing member modifies the pressure differential across the diaphragm, which assists in moving the diaphragm to the desired position with minimal direct force.
2Reliability
If significant force is required to operate the valve, then effective sealing is maintained, but design freedom and positioning of control mechanisms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the valve into a closing member (for opening/closing the bleed hole) and mechanical means (for engaging and moving the diaphragm), the system achieves both effective sealing and low-force actuation. The mechanical means can be positioned flexibly since they directly engage the diaphragm rather than requiring long-force transmission from a distant control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter across the diaphragm by controlling the bleed hole. This pressure differential change enables the diaphragm to move with minimal force, thereby increasing design flexibility and allowing control mechanisms to be positioned more freely without requiring rigid straight-line connections.
3Force
If a rigid connection along a straight line is used for force transmission, then force transmission is efficient, but positioning of user control devices is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The control bleed hole serves as an intermediary that transmits the closing member's action to the diaphragm through pressure modification rather than direct mechanical force transmission. This eliminates the need for rigid straight-line connections, allowing user control devices to be positioned flexibly while still achieving effective diaphragm actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical force transmission system (rigid connections along straight lines) with a pressure-based control system. The closing member modifies pressure in the control bleed hole, and this pressure change moves the diaphragm, substituting direct mechanical coupling with fluid pressure mediation.
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 diaphragm valve allows for low-force operation, enhancing design flexibility and positioning options for user control devices, while maintaining effective water flow control across varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a control bleed hole extending from a first side of the diaphragm to a second side, opposite the first side; a closing member moveable to open and close the control bleed hole, to modify the pressure on either side of the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm valve is provided, and includes a diaphragm moveable over a range from a first position to a second position, to open and close an outlet. A control bleed hole extends from a first side of the diaphragm to a second side, opposite the first side. A closing member is moveable to open and close the control bleed hole, to modify the pressure on either side of the diaphragm, and to cause the movement the diaphragm over at least part of the range. A mechanical means is arranged to move the closing member to open and close the control bleed hole. The mechanical means is configured to engage the diaphragm and cause movement of the diaphragm over at least part of the range.