Adjustable Flow-Synchronization Return Valve for Balanced Outlet Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool systems experience uneven hydraulic pressure distribution across outlets due to friction, leading to unequal water circulation, which affects debris removal, chemical distribution, and algae growth.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable flow-synchronization return (FSR) valve that synchronizes flow rates across multiple discharge points using a threaded bolt mechanism with adjustable gap distance and conical restriction gap stops, ensuring consistent fluid flow and preventing back pressure damage to the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the outlet is located closer to the pump, then water circulation is vigorous, but hydraulic pressure becomes unbalanced across outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by installing flow restriction valves at specific outlets (particularly remote outlets) to create localized flow resistance. This allows each outlet to have customized flow characteristics - closer outlets maintain high flow while remote outlets receive flow restriction to balance the hydraulic pressure distribution across all outlets.
2Stress or pressure
If the outlet is located farther from the pump, then hydraulic pressure is balanced, but water circulation becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the flow restriction valve settings at different outlets to optimize water circulation. The restriction valves allow operators to modify flow parameters (opening degree, restriction level) to achieve both adequate circulation speed and balanced hydraulic pressure at remote outlets.
3Productivity
If the valve gap is reduced to balance flow, then flow rate equalizes, but back pressure increases and may damage pump equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using adjustable flow restriction valves that can be dynamically configured to maintain optimal gap distances. The valves provide continuous adjustability to balance flow rates across outlets while preventing excessive back pressure buildup, and include features like minimum gap stops to prevent complete closure that would cause damaging back pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (flow restriction valve with adjustable opening) between the main water flow and the outlet to control flow distribution. The valve acts as a mediator that equalizes flow rates without creating excessive back pressure, and the restriction gap stop serves as a safety intermediary to prevent complete valve closure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve gap is increased to reduce back pressure, then pump safety is improved, but flow rate equality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing operators to adjust the valve opening degree to find the optimal balance point. By modifying the gap distance parameter, the system can simultaneously achieve flow rate equality and maintain back pressure within safe limits for pump operation.
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 equal hydraulic pressure and flow rates across all outlets, maximizing circulation and minimizing turbulence, thus enhancing debris removal, chemical distribution, and preventing pump damage.
Implementation Method 1
a valve element including a threaded shaft configured to engage the threaded ring
Implementation Method 2
the restriction gap stop is configured to prevent the first surface from contacting the second surface
Implementation Method 3
The first and second surfaces are characterized by a conical shape that directs fluid out of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-synchronization return (FSR) valve is disclosed herein. The FSR valve includes a base comprising a threaded ring; a valve element consisting of a bolt with a threaded shaft configured to engage the threaded ring, and a bolt head comprising a first surface; a body including a second surface; and at least one restriction gap stop. The flow rate of a fluid through the FSR valve is based, in part, on the separation distance between the first surface and the second surface. And the direction of the fluid flowing through the FSR valve is based, in part, on the shape and orientation of the restriction gap stops. Among other things, the restriction gap stops are configured to prevent the first surface from contacting the second surface. The restriction gap stops may be integral to and protrude from the first surface, or from the second surface, both of which may be characterized by a matching conical shape.