Float-Cam Waterer Valve for High-Pressure Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Livestock watering systems face issues when transitioning from low-pressure to high-pressure water sources, as existing valve systems fail to properly shut off water flow, leading to flooding and damage, and require expensive modifications to accommodate higher pressures.
Innovation Solution
A livestock waterer valve system incorporating a float valve mechanism with a float arm, cam, and plunger, designed to operate effectively with high-pressure water sources, featuring an adjustable mechanism to set the desired water level and reduce wear, along with a bracket for secure assembly to minimize maintenance complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional low-pressure waterer valve system is used with a high-pressure water source, then the system cannot properly shut off water flow, but modifying the water source or water lines to reduce pressure is expensive and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The float component is redesigned with a generally flat bottom to increase buoyancy force, enabling the valve to operate reliably under high-pressure conditions without requiring modifications to the water source or piping infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is divided into modular components including the float component, float arm, cam, plunger, and valve housing, allowing the buoyancy-enhanced float to be integrated into existing systems without replacing the entire valve assembly
2Force
If the float component has a traditional shape, then the valve cannot generate enough force to close under high pressure, but increasing float size increases the risk of water damage from flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The float component geometry is changed from a traditional shape to a generally flat bottom configuration, maximizing buoyancy force generation within a compact volume that minimizes flood damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge ports are designed to direct water away from critical components, sacrificing some water flow control to protect the float, float arm, and cam from water damage and wear
3Reliability
If traditional splined connections are used for adjustment, then the adjustability mechanism wears and loses stiffness over time, but using more robust connections increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The splined connection mechanism is removed entirely and replaced with a simpler adjustment means that directly modifies the angle between the cam and float arm, eliminating wear issues while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment means enables dynamic modification of the float component depth and cam-float arm angle to achieve desired water levels, providing maintainability without complex mechanisms
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used to fix the valve system, then assembly and disassembly become complex and seals are easily misplaced, but using fewer components reduces flexibility in positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components including the elbow fitting, clamp, and valve connector are merged into an integrated bracket assembly that simplifies installation while maintaining positioning flexibility through adjustable features
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, positioning, and sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate washers and reducing the number of parts that can be misplaced
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 ensures reliable water level regulation, withstands higher pressures, reduces maintenance complexity, and prevents flooding by allowing for easy adjustment and robust construction, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The float component can have a generally flat bottom adapted to provide enough buoyancy force to close the valve using a high-pressure water supply
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for watering livestock using a livestock waterer, a water source, and a waterer valve system for replenishing water in a water reservoir of the livestock waterer. A valve housing can be affixed to the water reservoir and coupled to a plunger. A cam can be pivotably coupled to the valve housing and one end of a float arm. A float component can be coupled to the opposite end of the float arm. Water from the water supply can enter the valve housing and exit an orifice in the valve housing along first and second side spouts. The float component can have a generally flat bottom and move vertically along with the water level within the water reservoir. As the float component moves vertically, the float arm pivots the cam. The cam can move the plunger in the valve housing to stop water flow.