Float Valve Flow Control Using Liquid Level Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow control systems for applications like irrigation and tank filling often require manual adjustments to accommodate varying conditions, which can be time-consuming, and may not function without electrical power, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a container with a valve to control fluid flow based on the liquid level, including a return line to divert unused fluid back into the container, allowing for automatic adjustment of flow rates without electricity, and includes features like permeable materials and manual overrides for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual valve control is used to adjust fluid delivery for varying circumstances, then the system can adapt to different conditions, but it requires time-consuming manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying conditionsVSAvoidtime-consuming manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a float valve mechanism that automatically regulates fluid flow based on liquid level in the container. The float rises and falls with the liquid level, mechanically actuating the valve to open or close without human intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability to varying fluid levels and irrigation needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The float valve system implements a feedback mechanism where the liquid level in the container continuously monitors the fluid state and automatically adjusts the valve position accordingly. When the liquid level drops, the float descends and triggers the valve to open, allowing refilling. When the level rises, the float ascends and closes the valve. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If electrically controlled valve systems are used, then automatic control capability is achieved, but the system becomes unusable without electrical power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic control capabilityVSAvoidusability without electrical power

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces electrically controlled valves with a purely mechanical float valve mechanism. The float valve uses buoyancy forces and mechanical linkages to automatically control fluid flow based on liquid level, eliminating dependence on electrical power. This mechanical substitution maintains automatic control capability while ensuring reliability in locations where electrical power may not be available, such as remote irrigation sites or during power outages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If continuous fluid flow is maintained to ensure continuous operation, then operational continuity is achieved, but fluid waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidfluid waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The float valve system implements periodic action by continuously cycling between opening and closing states based on liquid level fluctuations. Rather than maintaining continuous flow, the valve opens only when the liquid level drops below a threshold, allowing refilling, and closes when the threshold is reached. This periodic operation ensures continuous availability of fluid while minimizing waste by maintaining the container at an optimal liquid level, preventing both overflow and complete depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 that adapts to changing conditions without electrical power, reducing manual intervention and ensuring continuous operation, while maintaining system compactness and portability.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet includes an opening configured to allow the liquid to exit the container via evaporation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the outlet includes a permeable material configured to allow the liquid to pass between the container and the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS11144076B2Fluid flow control based on a liquid level in a container

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SITZ JUSTIN C

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for fluid flow control. A container is shaped to receive a liquid, and includes an outlet configured to allow the liquid to exit the container. A valve is configured to control a fluid flow based on a liquid level in the container. An output line coupled to the valve is configured to convey the fluid flow from the valve to a location outside the container. The location outside the container does not receive the liquid directly from the outlet.