Mechanical Diaphragm Water Valve for Power-Free Splash Pad Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water flow systems in splash pads and similar environments rely on electricity for actuation, which is often impractical due to installation costs, corrosion risks, and the need for frequent battery replacements, and require complex control panels for operation.

Innovation Solution

A purely mechanical system using a diaphragm valve and mechanical activator, such as a button or pressure plate, to control water flow without electricity, allowing manual operation and eliminating the need for power sources and control panels, with adjustable flow rates and durations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electricity is used to actuate water flow systems in splash pads, then water flow control is achieved, but installation costs increase and corrosion risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow control reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical actuation systems with a purely mechanical diaphragm valve system. The mechanical activator directly manipulates the diaphragm through mechanical means (pushing it against the valve seat), eliminating electrical components that are susceptible to corrosion in water-rich environments. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable water flow control through mechanical pressure differential management while removing the source of corrosion risk associated with electrical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrical systems with control panels are used for water flow management, then precise control is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow control precisionVSAvoidcontrol panel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex electrical control panel from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical control function. The diaphragm valve system achieves precise water flow control through simple mechanical activation where the activator directly affects the diaphragm position, eliminating the need for complex electrical control circuits, relays, and control panels while maintaining operational precision through direct mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical diaphragm valve system is self-regulating through pressure differentials. Once activated mechanically, the valve automatically modulates water flow based on the balance between upstream pressure and downstream pressure, without requiring external control signals or complex control logic. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining precise control responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If batteries are used as power sources for water flow actuation, then portability is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source portabilityVSAvoidbattery replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces battery-powered electrical actuators with a purely mechanical activation system. The mechanical activator requires no power source, eliminating the need for battery installation, replacement, or maintenance. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining the ability to operate in portable locations without introducing components that require periodic maintenance, as the mechanical system has no consumable parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, cost-effective, and maintenance-friendly water flow management in areas where electricity is unavailable, reducing corrosion risks and operational complexity while allowing for safe and controlled water use.

Implementation Method 1

The valve body includes a diaphragm valve configured to receive water flow from a water source... the diaphragm valve opens to allow the water flow to flow to the feature outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a mechanical activator, configured to, when actuated, open a vent valve, that is fluidically coupled to the diaphragm valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11027208B2Mechanical water transfer system

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES INC

AI summary

A playground water feature including a feature outlet. The playground water feature also including a diaphragm valve configured to receive water flow from a water source. The playground water feature also including a mechanical activator, configured to, when actuated, open a vent valve, that is fluidically coupled to the diaphragm valve, such that the diaphragm valve opens to allow the water flow to flow to the feature outlet.