Elastomeric Diaphragm Watering Valve Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal actuated watering valves suffer from inconsistent flow and increased operational forces due to a small gap between the valve stem and seat, and peripheral outlet ports leading to unequal water streams, making them difficult for small or weak animals to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with a perforated elastomeric diaphragm and a valve stem where the apertures are radially inward of the valve stem head, reducing contact area and actuation forces, and featuring a diaphragm with a central protrusion and annular channel to improve flow consistency and reduce actuation effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve stem head rests entirely on the diaphragm upstream surface, then the valve can be sealed effectively, but the forces required to deflect the valve stem increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized contact area between the valve stem head and diaphragm through the protrusion structure. Instead of the entire upstream surface contacting the diaphragm, only a specific localized region (the protrusion) provides contact, reducing the overall contact area and consequently the actuation forces while maintaining sealing effectiveness at the critical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by adding a protrusion feature that extends from the diaphragm upstream surface. This protrusion creates a new geometric dimension that concentrates the contact area, transforming the force distribution from a broad surface contact to a focused localized contact point, thereby reducing the exponential force increase.
2Device complexity
If outlet ports are located peripherally outboard of the valve stem head, then the valve structure is simplified, but water flow forms distinct streams of unequal volume reducing flow consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the outlet ports radially inwardly of the valve stem head rather than symmetrically at the periphery. This asymmetric positioning allows the outlet ports to be strategically located to optimize flow distribution, ensuring more uniform water flow patterns while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the valve stem head to pivot relative to the valve seat, creating a dynamic gap that adjusts during operation. This dynamic positioning, combined with the radially inward outlet port location, ensures consistent flow distribution as the valve transitions between open and closed states, preventing distinct unequal streams.
3Reliability
If the gap between the valve stem head and valve seat is small, then the valve sealing is improved, but flow consistency deteriorates even when the valve stem is deflected maximally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow path into multiple segments through the radially inwardly positioned outlet ports. This segmentation creates multiple controlled flow channels that distribute water more evenly, improving flow consistency while the maintained gap ensures proper sealing when the valve closes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the annular channel as an intermediary element that connects the outlet ports and distributes flow uniformly. This intermediary structure mediates between the valve stem head and the downstream sections, ensuring consistent flow distribution while allowing the valve to maintain effective sealing.
4Force
If the contact area between the valve stem head and diaphragm is reduced, then actuation forces are reduced, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function in a specific localized region (the protrusion area) rather than distributing it across the entire upstream surface. This localized quality ensures that reduced overall contact area does not compromise sealing, as the critical sealing function is concentrated where needed most.
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 solution provides improved flow consistency and reduced actuation forces, making the valve easier to operate for small animals and allowing for adjustable flow rates without affecting valve operation, while ensuring reliable closure and unobstructed water flow.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is formed from a unitary elastomeric element including a central web portion and a cylindrical peripheral portion
Implementation Method 2
the valve stem head seals against the valve seat to prevent water flow though the valve
Implementation Method 3
permit water flows through the apertures of the diaphragm, between the valve stem head and the valve seat, and out of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
An animal watering valve has an elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a bore of a housing upstream of a valve seat and having apertures formed therethrough for the passage of water. A valve stem has a head clamped between the diaphragm and the valve seat and a tail that is laterally deflectable to move the valve stem head relative to the diaphragm from a seated position. Upon moving it to an unseated position, the valve stem head pivots relative to the valve seat to permit water to flow out of the valve. At least portions of the flow aperture outlets in the diaphragm are located radially inwardly of and axially upstream of the upstream surface of the valve stem head.