Float Valve Actuation Apparatus for Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuation apparatuses typically require electronic sensors or actuators to perform work based on predetermined conditions, which limits their functionality in applications like toilets without electricity.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid source, hydraulic valve, and fluid level sensor, specifically a float valve, are used to control the flow of pressurized water to a hydraulic linear cylinder actuator, allowing the apparatus to actuate based on water level changes without electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic sensors or actuators are used in hydraulic actuation apparatuses, then the actuation control precision is improved, but the electrical power consumption increases and reliability decreases in applications without electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensors and actuators with a purely mechanical actuation system. A float valve mechanically senses water level changes and directly controls a diaphragm valve through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for electronic components while maintaining actuation control precision through the mechanical float mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles where pressurized water serves dual purposes: as the process fluid and as the actuating medium. The float valve controls the flow of pressurized water to and from the diaphragm actuator, using the hydraulic pressure itself to drive the actuation without external electrical power.
2Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are used to detect water level, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and reliability in non-electrical environments worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic water level sensors with a mechanical float valve system. The float mechanically rises and falls with water level changes, directly actuating the valve mechanism through buoyancy forces, thereby achieving precise water level detection without electronic components or increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve system is self-actuating and self-regulating. The float automatically responds to water level changes and mechanically controls the diaphragm valve without requiring external power sources, control circuits, or complex electronic instrumentation, simplifying the overall system while maintaining detection precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a float valve is used to sense water level changes, then the electrical power consumption is reduced to zero, but the response speed may be limited by mechanical inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing pressurized water supply to accelerate the float valve response. The high-velocity pressurized water flow provides rapid force transmission to the diaphragm actuator, overcoming mechanical inertia and enabling fast response times despite the mechanical nature of the float valve, all without electrical power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the float valve by utilizing high-velocity pressurized water flow. This increases the force and speed at which the float responds to water level changes and actuates the diaphragm valve, maintaining rapid response capability while eliminating electrical power requirements.
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 reliable actuation in toilets without electronic components, preventing overflow and reducing electrical power consumption, while maintaining system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
when the water level sensor senses water at above a predetermined level by means of the float of the float valve 'floating' or rising to a predetermined level based on a corresponding increase in a water level
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm valve 'turns on' or repositions such that water is allowed to flow from the pressurized water source to the actuator
Implementation Method 3
water is allowed to flow from the pressurized water source to the actuator and the actuator actuates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an actuation apparatus that is adapted such that when a water level sensor senses water at above a predetermined level by means of a float of a float valve “floating” or rising to a predetermined level based on a corresponding increase in a water level, a diaphragm valve “turns on” or repositions such that water is allowed to flow from a pressurized water source to an actuator and the actuator actuates. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a toilet having auxiliary discharge path and valve in preventing the toilet from overflowing.