Float Drain Trap Torsion Spring Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional float type drain traps face issues with unstable magnetic forces due to direct magnetic attraction systems, leading to inefficient drainage, difficulty in removing foreign substances, and excessive compressed air loss, as well as problems with iron powder attraction in indirect magnetic force systems.

Innovation Solution

A float type drain trap utilizing a torsion coil spring to connect the float and valve, allowing for intermittent and energetic discharge of drain water by compressing the spring with buoyancy, thereby eliminating the need for magnets and preventing half-open valve states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a direct magnetic force system is used to open and close the valve seat, then the valve can be actuated by magnetic attraction, but the magnetic force becomes unstable when the distance between magnet and partner member varies, leading to unreliable valve operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic force stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic force system with a mechanical linkage system consisting of a float, lever arm, and valve seat mechanism. The float rises and falls with water level changes, mechanically actuating the valve through a lever arm connected to the valve seat, eliminating magnetic force instability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system (lever arm and pivot point) between the float and valve seat. This mechanical intermediary translates the float's vertical movement into reliable valve opening/closing action, providing stable and predictable valve operation independent of magnetic force variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the valve seat opens at the equilibrium point where inflow and discharge coincide, then the valve operates automatically, but the valve remains half-open causing successive dripping and preventing energetic discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage efficiencyVSAvoidvalve opening state

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by designing the valve to remain closed by default and only opening when the float reaches a specific threshold position. This ensures the valve opens fully for energetic discharge rather than remaining half-open, reversing the typical equilibrium behavior to achieve better drainage performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the valve from a continuous half-open state to a discrete fully-open/fully-closed state. By adjusting the float position threshold and lever arm geometry, the system achieves complete valve opening for energetic discharge, eliminating the successive dripping problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If magnets are used to actuate the valve, then automatic control is achieved, but foreign substances such as iron powder are attracted to the magnets causing operational troubles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic valve controlVSAvoidforeign substance attraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic actuation system with a purely mechanical float-and-lever system. The float responds to water level changes and mechanically actuates the valve through physical contact, eliminating magnets from the system and thereby preventing attraction of iron powder and other ferromagnetic foreign substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the magnetic components from the valve actuation mechanism. By eliminating magnets entirely and using only mechanical elements (float, lever arm, pivot points), the system achieves automatic control without the harmful side effect of attracting foreign substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 ensures stable and efficient drainage, prevents foreign substances from being attracted, and reduces compressed air loss, allowing for effective discharge of drain water without the limitations of magnetic systems.

Implementation Method 1

the spring 60 is compressed by a buoyancy of the float 20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The float 20 and the valve 50 are connected to each other by the spring 60. The spring 60 is compressed by a buoyancy of the float 20. A valve seat 15 is opened and closed by a force of the compressed spring 60

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9080689B2Float type drain trap and method for discharging drain water

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 FUKUHARA CO LTD

AI summary

In a float type drain trap, drain water separated from gas-liquid mixture is discharged from a discharge opening. The float type drain trap is provided with a float, an valve and a spring. The float and the valve are connected by the spring. The spring is compressed by a buoyancy of the float. A valve seat is opened and closed by a force of the compressed spring so as to intermittently discharge the drain water from the discharge opening.