Dual-Diaphragm Flushometer Assembly for Variable-Pressure Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushometers are not designed for low flush volume environments and variable plumbing pressures, leading to poor performance and issues like water hammer, and lack flexibility in flow control.
Innovation Solution
A flushometer system with a pressure vessel, valve assembly, and diaphragm assemblies that include primary and secondary diaphragms, along with a variable flow regulator and activation mechanisms, allowing for adjustable flow control and improved performance in low flush volume and variable pressure scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-flow control system is used in traditional flushometers, then the valve can be isolated from the water supply line by closing the control stop, but the system generates water hammer to the system at open or close events and performs poorly in low flush volume environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fixed-flow control system with a dynamic flow control system that uses a variable restrictor and diaphragm assembly to actively regulate water flow. The flow control valve can dynamically adjust the flow rate and timing, allowing for controlled opening and closing sequences that prevent water hammer while maintaining reliable isolation capability through the solenoid-operated valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameters by using a variable restrictor that can adjust the orifice size, and a solenoid-operated valve that controls the timing and rate of flow. These parameter changes enable the system to operate effectively in both low flush volume environments and high-pressure situations without generating water hammer, while still providing reliable valve isolation.
2Device complexity
If traditional flushometers are designed for higher volume flush, then the valve structure can be simple with fixed-flow control, but the system negatively impacts performance in low flush volume scenarios and variable pressure environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional valve system that can adapt to different flush volume requirements and pressure conditions. The solenoid-operated valve combined with the variable restrictor and diaphragm assembly creates a universal system that performs effectively in both low flush volume scenarios (such as urinal flushes) and high-pressure environments, eliminating the need for different valve designs for different applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If on-site change-outs are required to adjust fixed-flow control, then the initial hardware can be simple, but the system provides less flexibility during the flush cycle and requires maintenance intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a programmable flow control sequence that can be adjusted and programmed without requiring on-site hardware change-outs. The microcontroller allows for software-based configuration of flush parameters, enabling flexible adjustment of flow rates, timing, and sequences simply by programming changes rather than physical modifications, making the system self-configurable and easy to operate.
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 system provides enhanced flow control and reduces water hammer, ensuring consistent performance across varying fluid pressures and volumes, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A primary diaphragm assembly is disposed within the pressure vessel and includes a primary disc configured to be moveable to actuate the valve assembly... and a primary diaphragm connected to the primary disc
Implementation Method 2
A secondary diaphragm assembly is disposed within the pressure vessel and includes a secondary diaphragm and a secondary disc, the secondary diaphragm assembly configured to actuate the primary diaphragm assembly by venting fluid pressure on one side of the primary diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
An activation assembly is configured to actuate the secondary diaphragm assembly by venting fluid pressure on one side of the secondary diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A flushometer system includes a pressure vessel with a flow path defined between a valve inlet chamber and an outlet and a valve assembly disposed within the pressure vessel and configured to selectively open and close the flow path. A primary diaphragm assembly is disposed within the pressure vessel and includes a primary disc configured to be moveable to actuate the valve assembly to selectively open and close the flow path between the valve inlet chamber and the outlet, and a primary diaphragm connected to the primary disc. A secondary diaphragm assembly is disposed within the pressure vessel and includes a secondary diaphragm and a secondary disc, the secondary diaphragm assembly configured to actuate the primary diaphragm assembly by venting fluid pressure on one side of the primary diaphragm. An activation assembly is configured to actuate the secondary diaphragm assembly by venting fluid pressure on one side of the secondary diaphragm.