Float-Actuated Valve Control With Dual Liquid-Level Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems for irrigation and similar applications are either time-consuming to manually adjust for varying conditions or rely on electrical components that may not function without power, and often cycle uncontrollably due to single-level activation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a container with a configurable width and a valve actuated by a float and magnet mechanism, opening at a first liquid level and closing at a different level, allowing for adjustable flow duration based on container width and liquid level changes, without requiring electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual valve control is used to adjust fluid delivery for varying circumstances, then the system is simple and does not require electricity, but the operation becomes time-consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a float mechanism that automatically responds to liquid level changes in the container, opening or closing the valve without external intervention. The float rises with the liquid level and mechanically actuates the valve to close, and when the liquid level drops, the float falls and opens the valve, creating a self-regulating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical actuation systems with a purely mechanical float-based actuation system. The float mechanism converts liquid level changes directly into valve actuation through mechanical means, eliminating the need for electrical components, sensors, or power sources.
2Extent of automation
If electrically controlled valves are used, then the system can automatically respond to varying conditions, but the system becomes unusable without electrical power and may cause uncontrollable cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical actuation systems with a purely mechanical float-based actuation system. The float mechanism converts liquid level changes directly into valve actuation through mechanical means, eliminating the need for electrical components, sensors, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes all electrical components from the valve control system, retaining only the essential mechanical float mechanism that provides automatic actuation based on liquid level, ensuring reliability in environments without electrical power.
3Device complexity
If a valve is actuated at a single water level, then the control mechanism is simple, but the valve turns on and off uncontrollably and rapidly cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single activation level into two distinct levels: a first liquid level at which the valve opens and a second liquid level at which the valve closes. This creates a hysteresis effect that prevents rapid cycling by requiring the liquid level to change significantly before the valve state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-level actuation creates a natural periodic cycle in valve operation: the valve opens when the liquid level drops to the first level, allows liquid to enter and raise the level, closes when the level reaches the second level, and remains closed until the level drops again. This periodic action stabilizes the system by preventing continuous or rapid switching.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the container width is fixed, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the flow duration cannot be adjusted to adapt to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the container width a variable parameter rather than a fixed dimension. The container can be configured with different widths to adjust the volume of liquid required to change the liquid level from the first level to the second level, thereby controlling the flow duration. This dynamic configuration allows adaptation to varying irrigation needs while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical or rectangular container design.
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
Enables efficient and automatic fluid flow control based on liquid levels, adapting to changing conditions without electrical power, reducing manual intervention and preventing uncontrollable cycling.
Implementation Method 1
a float is disposed within the container and at least one magnet coupled to the float, the at least one magnet actuating the valve based on the position of the float within the container
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnet coupled to the float, the at least one magnet actuating the valve based on the position of the float within the container
Implementation Method 3
at least one mechanical lever within the container that is disposed to act upon the float to mechanically advantage the float to move up or down based on the liquid level in the container
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for fluid flow control. A container is shaped to receive a liquid. The container has a configurable width. An inlet is configured to allow the liquid to enter the container. A valve is actuated to open at a first liquid level within the container and to close at a different liquid level within the container. An amount of time that the valve is opened is determined based on the width of the container.