Anti-Oscillation Braking Mechanism for Livestock Waterer Float Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic float valves for livestock water troughs experience oscillations during filling, leading to operational disruptions, noise pollution, and potential pipe deterioration due to insufficient pressure to instantly counteract water network pressure, causing resonance and wear on system components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an anti-oscillation device with a braking mechanism that opposes resistance to the valve's closing movement, ensuring the valve only closes when the water level is sufficient to overcome this resistance, preventing oscillations and maintaining a stable closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional automatic float valve is used to fill the drinking trough tank, then the valve can control water supply based on water level, but oscillations occur during filling when approaching the predefined filling level due to insufficient pressure to counteract network water pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve closure stabilityVSAvoidoscillations and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a braking means that creates resistance to the valve holder's closing movement before the valve actually closes. This resistance opposes the closing force generated by the float, preventing the valve from slamming shut when water pressure is insufficient to immediately counteract the network pressure. The braking means is configured to provide this counteracting force in advance, eliminating the oscillation problem at its source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking means acts as an intermediary element between the valve holder and the valve seat. It mediates the closing action by introducing a controlled resistance that smooths the transition from open to closed position. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct impact and oscillation by distributing the closing force over a longer time period, thereby reducing noise and mechanical stress on the system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the valve closes rapidly to stop water flow, then water supply is effectively blocked, but excessive stress is exerted on pipes and valve elements leading to deterioration and potential rupture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow control efficiencyVSAvoidpipe and component durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The braking means provides beforehand cushioning by creating a damping effect during the valve closing process. This cushioning resistance is applied before the valve fully closes, absorbing the shock and reducing the impact force on pipes and valve elements. The braking means ensures that the valve closes in a controlled manner, preventing water hammer effects and excessive stress that would otherwise lead to component deterioration or pipe rupture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Speed

If the valve holder is allowed to move freely to control water flow, then the valve responds quickly to water level changes, but oscillations are generated that disrupt operation and create noise pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve response speedVSAvoidnoise pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The braking means introduces a dynamic resistance that adapts during the valve closing process. The resistance is not constant but varies based on the valve holder's position and movement speed. This dynamic braking effect allows the valve to respond quickly to water level changes while simultaneously dampening oscillations and reducing noise. The braking means is configured to provide appropriate resistance at different stages of closure, maintaining both responsiveness and quiet operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution effectively prevents oscillations, reduces noise pollution, and minimizes stress on pipes and valve components, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of the system by maintaining the valve in a stable closed position.

Implementation Method 1

said braking means being configured to create friction resistance to said closing movement of said valve holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the float will descend into the tank, then controlling the opening of the valve... under the impulse of the water level rising in the latter during filling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4302596B1Automatic float valve, in particular for a livestock waterer, comprising an oscillation-proof device
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 LA BUVETTE
  • EP4302596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4302596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4302596B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatic drinking trough tap (1) comprising a tank (2) intended to be filled with water, said tap comprising a nozzle (3) connected to the water supply and having a body (31) receiving a valve seat (32) on which a valve (41) closes under the action of a valve holder (4) movablely mounted on the nozzle body between an open position (42) and a closed position (43) of the valve, under the action of the water level in the tank on a float (7) integral with an arm (5) of the valve holder equipped with said valve. The tap includes an anti-oscillation device (9) for the valve comprising at least one braking means cooperating with said valve holder to create resistance to the movement of the latter, at least to the closing of said valve.