Integrated Fluid Valves for Precise Chemical Mixing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Car washes are labor and equipment maintenance intensive, and the use of concentrated chemicals increases material handling concerns and shipping costs, with existing fluid delivery systems lacking precise control over fluid distribution and mixing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with integrated valves and actuators, controlled by a control system, that adjusts valve orifice area to achieve target flow rates and pressures, and includes pressure and flow sensors for precise fluid and chemical dispensing, with modular manifolds for efficient distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If concentrated chemicals are used to reduce material handling and shipping costs, then shipping costs and material handling complexity are reduced, but precision control of fluid distribution and mixing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery into separate channels with individual valves for each outlet. Each valve can be independently controlled to precisely regulate the distribution of concentrated chemicals and fluids, allowing accurate dosing and mixing ratios even with high-concentration substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronically controlled valves with adjustable opening positions to dynamically regulate flow rates. The valves can be precisely positioned to control the amount of concentrated chemical dispensed, enabling accurate mixing ratios and dosing precision despite using concentrated formulations.
2Device complexity
If traditional fluid delivery systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but labor intensity and equipment maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates electronic control that automatically regulates valve positions and flow rates based on pre-programmed parameters. The controlled valves self-adjust to maintain precise fluid distribution and mixing ratios without requiring manual intervention, reducing labor intensity while improving dispensing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to monitor fluid flow, pressure, and mixing ratios, providing feedback to the control system. This closed-loop control automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain precise dosing and mixing, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while ensuring consistent precision.
3Device complexity
If manual fluid distribution is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution optimization and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electronically controlled valves that can dynamically adjust their opening positions to optimize fluid distribution. The valves respond to control signals to precisely regulate flow rates and mixing ratios, enabling efficient and optimized fluid delivery without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled valve system can be programmed to handle multiple fluid types and mixing ratios using the same hardware platform. The system provides universal functionality for different car wash applications, optimizing fluid distribution efficiency across various scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system for dispensing fluid in a vehicle wash includes at least one integrated valve, each with a plunger housing having an air chamber configured to receive a valve limiter. A valve plunger in the plunger housing has open and closed positions, and blocks a valve orifice when closed, and permits the passage of fluid through the valve orifice for dispensing from a fluid outlet when opened. An actuator assembly is coupled to each integrated valve, and each includes an actuator and the valve limiter. A control system is communicatively coupled to each actuator and is configured to receive a selection corresponding to a selected outlet pressure and based on the selection, causes the actuator assembly to adjust a position of the valve limiter to reach a target flow rate or a target outlet pressure of the motive fluid when the valve plunger is in the open position.