Adjustment Bezel for On-Site Fountain Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water fountain systems face challenges in individually controlling water streams from multiple fountains, especially when embedded in pavement, due to centralized valve locations requiring operators to adjust flow settings remotely, complicating installation, maintenance, and expansion.
Innovation Solution
A modular fountain structure with an adjustable valve and bezel mechanism allows on-site flow adjustments through a bezel mechanism integrated within the fountain, enabling independent control of water flow at each fountain without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If valves are located at the central control area, then flow control is centralized, but adjustment requires operators to leave the fountain area or use multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented from the central control location and distributed to individual fountain structures. Each fountain structure contains its own valve mechanism, allowing independent local control without requiring centralized management or multiple operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve control interface is extended to a new dimension by projecting the adjustment mechanism through the bezel structure. The adjustment mechanism extends through the bezel structure, allowing operators to access and adjust flow parameters directly at the fountain location rather than returning to a central control room.
2Measurement precision
If multiple operators are used for flow adjustment, then control accuracy improves, but operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fountain structure enables self-service flow adjustment by incorporating the valve mechanism directly into the fountain assembly. A single operator can perform adjustments independently at the fountain location without requiring coordination with another operator or travel to a central control area.
3Shape
If fountains are embedded in pavement with centralized water supply, then aesthetic appearance improves, but individual flow control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into individual controllable units at each fountain structure. Each fountain maintains its own valve mechanism within the embedded housing, enabling independent flow control despite the unified pavement-embedded installation configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate fountain features are added, then entertainment value increases, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fountain system is divided into modular structures where each unit contains integrated valve mechanisms. This segmentation allows elaborate features to be added to individual modules without increasing the complexity of the overall system's installation and maintenance, as each module can be independently serviced.
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
Facilitates easy installation, maintenance, and expansion by allowing real-time flow adjustments at each fountain, reducing the need for multiple operators and providing immediate feedback, thus simplifying operations and lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable valve is configured to change a flow of fluid from the fountain structure
Implementation Method 2
An adjustment bezel includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion at least partially exposed on the surface of the cover, and the second portion enclosed within the housing and configured to engage with the valve, where movement of the bezel causes a change in the valve to change the flow of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water fountain structures, and more specifically relate to modular fountain structures that include an adjustment bezel for changing a flow of water via an adjustable valve housed within the fountain structure. Adjustments to the valve to adjust the flow of water are effected by accessing the valve at the site of the fountain structure. The adjustment bezel or other manipulable device is incorporated with each fountain structure to provide control for flow of water emitted from the fountain, as the adjustment bezel is accessible without removal and/or disassembly of the fountain structure.