Mechanical Float Valve Layout for Negative Pressure Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge devices have complex structures, high maintenance costs, and low reliability due to frequent opening and closing of solenoid valves, leading to damage and inefficiency in controlling liquid levels.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure pipeline opening-and-closing device with a buoyant member and blocking member, where the buoyant member includes two floats and a connection rod, and a guide to ensure accurate vertical alignment, allowing for mechanical control of the liquid outlet port, reducing frequent opening and closing, and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronically controlled drainage device with solenoid valve is used, then the liquid level can be dynamically balanced, but the solenoid valve is frequently opened and closed causing damage and low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronically controlled solenoid valve with a purely mechanical float valve system. The float valve uses buoyancy forces to mechanically open or close the liquid outlet port, eliminating the need for electrical components and frequent actuation. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through the removal of fragile electronic components while maintaining liquid level control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the solenoid valve and electrical control circuitry from the drainage system, retaining only the essential mechanical float valve components. By taking out the problematic electronic control system and replacing it with a simple mechanical float mechanism, the invention eliminates the frequent opening and closing of solenoid valves that caused damage and low reliability.
2Extent of automation
If a float switch and magnetic valve are connected in series to control liquid discharge, then automatic liquid discharging can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automatic liquid discharge system using a float valve that automatically responds to liquid level changes. The float mechanism naturally rises and falls with the liquid level, automatically opening or closing the outlet port without requiring external electrical control systems, float switches, or magnetic valves. This self-service approach achieves automatic liquid discharging while dramatically simplifying the device structure and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an electrical control system that actively opens a closed valve (solenoid valve approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a passive float mechanism that naturally opens or closes based on buoyancy forces. This inversion of the control logic eliminates the need for complex electrical components while maintaining automatic operation.
3Productivity
If an instant response type float is used, then the liquid level can be dynamically balanced, but the solenoid valve is frequently opened and closed leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically actuated solenoid valve with a mechanical float valve that responds to liquid level changes through buoyancy forces. This mechanical substitution maintains rapid response capability while eliminating the frequent opening and closing of solenoid valves that led to damage and reduced reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve provides continuous liquid level control through its mechanical buoyancy-based operation, maintaining the useful action of liquid level balancing without the intermittent frequent switching that damages solenoid valves. The continuous mechanical action of the float ensures reliable operation while preserving productivity.
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 device achieves a simple structure, easy maintenance, and high reliability with a long control stroke, ensuring efficient liquid discharge and preventing air entry, resulting in reduced pipeline resistance and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant member connected to the blocking member. The buoyant member comprises two floats and a connection rod connected to the two floats
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A negative pressure pipeline opening-and-closing device includes a blocking member and a buoyant member. The buoyant member comprises two floats and a connection rod connected to the two floats. The liquid reservoir is provided with a guide therein, and the guide confines the two floats, the blocking member and the liquid outlet port in the same vertical line. A limiting member is arranged between the two floats and is fixed to an inner wall of the liquid reservoir. A maximum distance between the limiting member and a top wall of a lower float of the two floats is smaller than a maximum distance between a top wall of an upper float of the two floats and a top wall of the liquid reservoir. The negative pressure pipeline opening-and-closing device can replace an existing electrically controlled valve. Therefore, the cost is reduced, the maintenance is convenient and service life is prolonged.