Geneva Drive Valve for Intermittent Pool Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-distribution valve assemblies for in-floor pool cleaning systems produce continuous, uniform rotation, resulting in water being distributed to an outlet for only short periods and transferring between outlets slowly.
Innovation Solution
Employing a Geneva drive mechanism to convert continuous rotational movement into discontinuous, intermittent rotary motion of a valve plate, allowing extended water distribution to a particular outlet and rapid switching between outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous uniform rotation is used in the valve assembly, then the valve operates smoothly with consistent water flow, but water is distributed to each outlet for only short periods and transfers between outlets slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a Geneva drive mechanism that converts continuous rotation into intermittent, periodic motion. The valve plate rotates continuously but with varying speed, pausing at each outlet position to allow extended water distribution, then rapidly transferring to the next outlet. This periodic stopping and starting at each outlet position increases the time water is distributed to each outlet while maintaining continuous operation of the valve assembly.
2Speed
If continuous uniform rotation is used in the valve assembly, then the mechanical operation is simple and reliable, but the transfer between outlet ports occurs relatively slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from uniform continuous rotation to non-uniform intermittent rotation. The Geneva drive mechanism introduces dynamic speed variations, allowing the valve plate to rotate slowly during water distribution at each outlet and then rapidly transfer to the next outlet. This dynamic motion pattern increases transfer speed between outlets while the Geneva drive mechanism provides a reliable mechanical implementation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous uniform rotation is used in the valve assembly, then the valve structure remains simple, but water distribution to each outlet occurs for only relatively short periods
Solution Approach 1:
The Geneva drive mechanism creates periodic action with multiple stopping positions during each rotation cycle. The valve plate pauses at each outlet position, extending the duration of water distribution to each outlet. The mechanism achieves this extended duration through its geometric design that creates intermittent motion with controlled stopping points, while remaining a mechanical addition to the existing valve structure.
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
Enables longer water distribution to individual outlets and faster transfer between them, improving the efficiency of fluid distribution in in-floor cleaning systems.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized water passing through an inlet of the housing rotates blades of the impeller, which in turn rotate the spindle and two gear assemblies
Implementation Method 2
assemblies of the invention may employ a Geneva drive. This sort of drive mechanism effectively translates continuous rotational movement to discontinuous, intermittent rotary motion of an associated plate
Data Source
AI summary
Detailed are valve assemblies principally for use as part of in-floor cleaning systems for swimming pools. The assemblies may use mechanisms for converting continuous rotation into discontinuous rotation, changing the timing of water distribution to different outlet of the assemblies. One such mechanism includes both an impeller, whose blades are rotated continuously by impingement of pressurized water, and a Geneva drive, whose driven wheel is rotated discontinuously by one or more associated drive wheels.