Floor Drain Water-Tempering Valve for Hot Water Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial drainage systems often fail to consistently manage hot water temperatures below 140 degrees F, which is required by plumbing codes, and require costly retrofits or new installations, and are not adaptable to different environments without disrupting kitchen operations.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrical water-tempering apparatus comprising a valve, cold water line, and mechanical temperature control that fits into a floor drain assembly to cool heated water to a safe temperature by adding controlled amounts of cold water, making it retrofitable and adaptable to various kitchen settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing commercial drainage systems are used, then the system structure is simple and installation is straightforward, but the system cannot consistently satisfy the temperature requirement of below 140 degrees F and is very sensitive to employee control and cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating temperature control system that automatically senses drain water temperature and activates cooling mechanisms without requiring employee intervention. The system uses temperature sensors, control circuits, and proportional control valves that automatically mix cold water with hot drain water when temperature exceeds 140°F, eliminating dependence on employee awareness and cooperation while maintaining consistent temperature compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (employee-operated valves and switches) with an automated electromechanical control system. This includes temperature sensors, electronic control circuits with proportional control logic, and motorized or solenoid-controlled mixing valves that automatically regulate temperature based on sensor feedback, transitioning from human-operated mechanical systems to automated sensor-actuator systems.
2Reliability
If a control system is added to meet temperature requirements, then temperature compliance is improved, but the cost increases significantly for both retrofits and new installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic proportional control rather than simple on/off control, allowing the mixing valve to modulate its opening position continuously based on the degree of temperature excess. This enables precise temperature regulation while optimizing cold water usage, preventing both overheating and unnecessary energy waste, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary (on/off) to continuous proportional control, where the valve opening position varies continuously with temperature deviation. This allows for more efficient temperature regulation that responds proportionally to temperature changes, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining reliable compliance.
3Reliability
If a control system is designed for specific environments, then the system performs well in predetermined settings, but the system lacks flexibility for different kitchen footprints and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal temperature control system that can be adapted to various kitchen environments and drain configurations. The system uses standardized temperature sensors, programmable control circuits, and adjustable mixing valves that can accommodate different footprints, drain locations, and water flow rates, allowing the same basic system architecture to serve multiple applications without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and programmable parameters into the control system, allowing installation personnel to configure temperature thresholds, valve response characteristics, and operational parameters based on specific kitchen requirements. This dynamic configurability enables the system to adapt to different environments while maintaining reliable temperature control performance.
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
Effectively reduces hot water temperatures to meet environmental regulations without adding significant cost or disrupting kitchen operations, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for both new and existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control connected to the valve for causing the valve to open and dump controlled amounts of water into the heated water
Implementation Method 2
dump controlled amounts of water into the heated water in order to cool the heated water
Implementation Method 3
a cold water line connected to the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A water-tempering apparatus reduces water temperature, to prevent overly-hot water from flowing into a drain. One disclosed apparatus includes a drain water tempering assembly that fits into the collection pan of a trough floor drain. The apparatus includes a valve, a cold water line connected to the valve, and a temperature control for causing the valve to open and dump controlled amounts of water into the over-heated water in order to cool the heated water to or below a legal-maximum predetermined temperature. A related apparatus includes portable tub with wheels and with temperature control components. A related method is also disclosed and claimed. The assemblies can be shaped for retrofit installation into an existing commercial drain, or can be for new installations, or can be a portable unit. The apparatus preferably uses non-electrical thermostat-operated control on a cold-water-supply valve.