Flow Rate Controller Switching Profiles for Compliant Shower Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow rate controller units face challenges in meeting varying statutory requirements for volumetric flow in sanitary installations, particularly in shower heads that require higher flows for functionality while adhering to water conservation limits.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate controller unit with a switching profile that allows for predefined changeovers between different volumetric flow states, utilizing a switching unit that can be driven by water flow, eliminating the need for energy accumulators and additional flow lines, and enabling continuous variable flow control through adjustable control gaps and selective activation of flow rate controllers and throttles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a shower head is designed to provide high volumetric flow for proper functionality (e.g., spa shower jets, rainforest shower heads), then the shower functionality and user comfort are improved, but the statutory volumetric flow limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate controller implements periodic switching between different flow states (high flow and low flow) according to a stored switching profile. This allows the system to provide sufficient high flow periodically for shower functionality while maintaining compliance with statutory average flow limits over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the volumetric flow between at least two different states based on a temporal profile stored in the switching unit. This enables adaptive flow control that responds to functional requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance through time-based variation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flow rate controller restricts volumetric flow to meet statutory limits, then water consumption is reduced, but the functionality of shower heads requiring higher flow (e.g., massage functions, rinsing) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically switches between restricted flow states and higher flow states, ensuring that functional requirements are met during high flow periods while maintaining overall water consumption within statutory limits through the temporal averaging effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching profile is pre-stored in the switching unit, allowing the system to anticipate and prepare for functional requirements by switching to high flow states in advance, ensuring proper shower functionality without exceeding overall flow limits.
3Extent of automation
If a switching unit with energy accumulators or energy supply connectors is used to control flow switching, then flow rate control is enabled, but device complexity and additional flow lines are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-driven driver automatically converts the kinetic energy of the flowing water into mechanical or electrical energy to drive the switching unit, eliminating the need for external energy accumulators, batteries, or additional power supply lines. The system uses the water flow itself to power the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver utilizes the hydraulic energy of the flowing water to directly actuate the switching mechanism, either through hydraulic pressure or by driving a turbine/generator that converts water flow energy into the required switching action, thereby avoiding complex electrical power supply systems.
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
Ensures compliance with statutory volumetric flow limits by providing sufficient flow for spa shower jets and rainforest shower heads, maintaining comfort and functionality while reducing water consumption, and allowing for adaptive control based on measured flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
the switching unit has a driver which is able to be driven by flowing water
Data Source
AI summary
In a flow rate controller unit (1) it is thus provided to generate a temporal profile (22) of a volumetric flow, in which temporal profile (22) a switching profile by way of which at least one flow controller (6) is actuated for varying the defined volumetric flow is run.