Float Valve Water Level Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for maintaining pool or spa water levels are prone to overfilling due to high failure rates, requiring constant monitoring and modifications for different environments, making them unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a float valve, a securing member with adjustable components, and a nozzle that includes a hollow tube and slip-resistant surfaces, allowing for precise control of water flow to maintain optimal water levels by occluding or allowing water entry based on the float's position relative to the water level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical float cut-off action system is used to automate water level maintenance, then manual monitoring time is reduced, but the system has a high failure rate resulting in overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a float mechanism that provides continuous feedback on water level conditions. The float is connected to a valve assembly that automatically adjusts water flow based on the float's position, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents overfilling and ensures reliable water level maintenance without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The float-valve assembly is designed to be self-regulating, where the buoyant float automatically triggers the valve to open or close based on water level conditions. The system serves itself by using the water's own buoyancy force to control the inflow, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems while maintaining high reliability.
2Extent of automation
If known automated systems are deployed in different environments, then water level maintenance is achieved, but modifications to apparatus are required for each setting
Solution Approach 1:
The float-valve assembly is designed as a universal system that can be deployed across multiple environments including pools, spas, and other water bodies. The modular construction with standardized components allows the same basic design to function in various settings without requiring environment-specific modifications, while still maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different environments. The valve assembly can be configured with different flow rates, and the float position can be adjusted to accommodate varying water levels and environmental conditions, providing versatility without sacrificing automation.
3Reliability
If manual replenishment of lost water is performed, then water level is maintained, but constant monitoring and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The float-valve assembly operates autonomously to maintain water levels without requiring manual intervention. The system continuously monitors water level through the float mechanism and automatically replenishes water when needed, eliminating the time-consuming manual monitoring and filling processes while ensuring reliable water level maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous automated operation, with the float constantly monitoring water level and the valve ready to open at any moment to replenish water. This continuous useful action eliminates the intermittent manual intervention required by traditional methods, saving time while maintaining consistent water level control.
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 system effectively maintains water levels by preventing overfilling and ensuring accurate replenishment, reducing manual monitoring needs and adapting to various environmental settings with its adjustable design.
Implementation Method 1
a float valve, a securing member and a nozzle... The float may occlude the orifice when the water level in the body of water is at or above a desired water level
Data Source
AI summary
A system for maintaining a water level in a body of water including a float valve and a securing member. The securing member includes a support member secured to the float valve, an adjustable member, and a horizontal member having a first end secured to the support member and an opposing, second end rotatably secured to the adjustable member.