Non-Collapsible Reservoir Control Valve for Hydration Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art personal hydration systems face issues with collapsible additive reservoirs prone to rupture or deformation, and check valves that can become plugged, limiting the control valve's functionality and restricting the use of additives based on viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A control valve assembly with a non-collapsible reservoir and a rotatable valve core that allows for selective dispensing of liquids with or without additives, enabling single or mixed flow conditions without the use of check valves, ensuring consistent and unobstructed flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If collapsible additive reservoirs are used, then the device can be compact and flexible, but the reservoir is susceptible to rupture or deformation which negatively affects liquid output
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is segmented into a collapsible outer bag and a rigid internal support structure. The outer bag can collapse to reduce volume, while the rigid internal structure maintains structural integrity and prevents rupture. This segmentation allows the reservoir to achieve both compactness when not in use and reliability during operation.
2Ease of operation
If check valves are used to ensure one-way flow, then flow direction is controlled, but the valves can become plugged inhibiting flow behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a check valve to ensure one-way flow, the invention uses the directional flow properties of the liquid itself and the geometric design of the flow path to achieve unidirectional flow without any moving parts that could become plugged.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical check valve system is replaced with a passive flow control mechanism that relies on fluid dynamics and geometric constraints. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that could fail while maintaining the essential function of directional flow control.
3Ease of operation
If check valves are used, then one-way flow is ensured, but the control valve is restricted to using additives of limited nature and viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir and flow system are designed with universal compatibility for various additive types and viscosities. The rigid internal structure and optimized flow path accommodate different material properties, allowing the system to handle powders, liquids, gels, and pastes of varying viscosities without requiring different valve mechanisms.
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 solution provides a reliable and consistent mixture of liquids and additives, preventing rupture and deformation, and allowing for various additive viscosities, enhancing user control and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a valve core rotatably mounted within the valve body to establish at least either a single flow condition of the liquid or a mixed flow condition of the liquid and the additive
Implementation Method 2
liquid from the hydration bladder flows freely through the valve core and is admitted into and circulated through the reservoir to produce a mixture of liquid and additive deliverable to the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A personal hydration system includes a control valve assembly including a valve body provided with a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port provided with a delivery hose for dispensing at least fluid from the hydration bladder. The control valve assembly further includes a non-collapsible reservoir which holds an additive and is directly mounted via a rigid connection to the second inlet port of the valve body. A supply hose is connected between the hydration bladder and the first inlet port of the valve body. A valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve body to establish at least either a single flow condition of the liquid or a mixed flow condition of the liquid and the additive. In the mixed flow condition, the liquid from the hydration bladder freely flows through the valve core and is admitted into and circulated through the reservoir to produce a mixture of liquid and additive deliverable to the outlet port.