Inlet valve for household appliances with variable attachment of a flowmeter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inlet valves for household appliances, such as washing machines, face challenges in accommodating limited space and withstanding vibrations, while also needing improved economic production methods.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter and valve assembly design that allows for attachment in multiple orientations, ensuring compatibility with various appliances and reducing the risk of component separation due to vibrations, with a sensor arrangement protected from moisture and a coupling mechanism that maintains a predetermined distance for reliable flow rate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flowmeter is fixed in a single orientation, then the assembly is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different appliance space configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is designed with a symmetric structure that allows it to engage with the counter-coupling portion in multiple orientations (at least two different orientations). This universal design enables the flowmeter to be adapted to different space configurations within household appliances without requiring different coupling mechanisms for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall coupling mechanism achieves symmetry for multi-orientation capability, the sensor arrangement within the housing is positioned asymmetrically relative to the coupling portion. This asymmetric internal arrangement ensures that the sensor maintains an optimal predetermined distance from the flow rate indicator regardless of which orientation the coupling is installed in.
2Reliability
If the sensor arrangement is exposed, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to moisture exposure and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A housing structure is introduced as an intermediary element that encloses the sensor arrangement. This housing acts as a protective barrier between the sensitive sensor and the harsh environment (moisture and vibrations) in household appliances, while still allowing the sensor to detect the flow rate indicator through the housing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects the flow rate indicator optically or magnetically through the housing wall without requiring direct mechanical contact. This substitution of mechanical coupling with field-based detection (optical or magnetic) reduces the risk of moisture ingress and vibration-induced mechanical failure while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Reliability
If the coupling portion is rigid, then the position is stable, but the risk of component separation under vibration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates flexible elements that allow for slight adjustments and absorptions of vibration-induced stresses. This flexibility prevents rigid stress concentration that could lead to component separation, while still maintaining sufficient positional stability for reliable sensor detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and coupling structure are designed with vibration-resistant features that cushion against the effects of household appliance vibrations before they can cause component separation. This preemptive design approach protects the sensor arrangement and flow rate indicator from vibration-induced misalignment or detachment.
4Ease of manufacture
If the flowmeter is integrated into the valve assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of manufacture and repair is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter is designed as a modular unit with a distinct housing, sensor arrangement, and coupling portion that can be manufactured separately from the valve assembly. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the flowmeter component while maintaining ease of assembly through the standardized coupling mechanism, and facilitates independent repair or replacement of the flowmeter.
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 the use of flowmeters and valve assemblies in different orientations, enhancing compatibility and reliability while reducing the risk of measurement errors under varying loads, thus addressing space constraints and vibration demands effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to detect the flow rate indicator through the housing wall
Implementation Method 2
The sensor arrangement comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a quantity indicative of the fluid flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a flowmeter for determining a fluid flow rate through an associated valve assembly, the flowmeter comprising a housing; a sensor arrangement disposed in the housing, the sensor arrangement comprising at least one sensor configured to detect a quantity indicative of the fluid flow rate through the valve assembly; and an coupling portion provided at the housing and configured to engage with an associated counter-coupling portion of the valve assembly for selectively attaching the flowmeter to the valve assembly in an orientation selectable from a group comprising at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The present invention also provides a valve assembly having a counter-coupling portion configured to receive an associated coupling portion of the flowmeter for selectively attaching the flowmeter to the valve assembly in any one of at least a first orientation and a second orientation. An inlet valve provided by the present invention comprises the flowmeter and the valve assembly, wherein the flowmeter is attached to the valve assembly in either one of the first or second orientation.