Modular Anti-Scale Collector With Quick-Connect Valve Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of limescale in valves of fluid installations, particularly in systems with hard water and low valve usage, leads to reduced closing capacity and inconsistent water flow over time, potentially incapacitating the collector.
Innovation Solution
A modular anti-scale collector structure featuring a ball-shaft with a single-part anti-scale polymer spherical seal, which prevents limescale adhesion and maintains consistent flow, combined with a quick connection mechanism and quarter-turn actuation valve for easy maintenance and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valves are used in fluid installations, then the installation can be assembled, but limescale accumulates in the valves over time, reducing closing capacity and potentially incapacitating the collector
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-shaft is manufactured as a single part from anti-scale polymer composite material that resists limescale adhesion. This composite material combines the structural integrity needed for valve operation with surface properties that prevent mineral deposition, directly addressing the limescale accumulation problem while maintaining reliable closing capacity over time.
2Ease of repair
If modular collectors are used to facilitate maintenance, then individual modules can be replaced, but the connection mechanism becomes complex and time-consuming to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connection mechanism merges the sealing function, locking function, and connection function into a single integrated mechanism. The elastomeric seal engages with the complementary profile of the connecting piece to automatically seal and lock when modules are joined, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and complex assembly steps while enabling easy individual module replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sealing materials are used between modules, then connections can be made, but sealing materials are required and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The module connection system is designed to be self-sealing through its integrated elastomeric seal that automatically engages with the connecting piece profile. The seal is built into the module structure itself, eliminating the need for external sealing materials and simplifying assembly to a single connection action without requiring additional components or materials.
4Strength
If heavy materials like tin are used for collectors, then structural strength is achieved, but transport and storage energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector material is changed from heavy traditional materials like tin to lightweight plastic materials, representing a parameter change in material density. This substitution maintains the structural strength needed for collector function while dramatically reducing weight, thereby lowering energy consumption during transport and storage without compromising the integrity or performance of the valve 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
The solution effectively prevents limescale buildup, maintains consistent water flow, simplifies installation and maintenance, and reduces stock and transportation costs by using lightweight, adaptable modules compatible with various pipe materials.
Implementation Method 1
a ball-shaft comprising a shaft and a spherical seal (or ball) which are constituted by a single part manufactured with an anti-scale polymer. This disposal increases its resistance, facilitates gentle manoeuvring and prevents limescale from being able to adhere to it.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular anti-scale collector structure with quick connection between distribution collectors from a main channel or distributor to a plurality of secondary channels or bypasses. The structure can be configured by means of the connection of different intermediate modules which provide distribution service, each having a connection mechanism, with other adjacent modules, of ratchets and grooves, constituted in the enveloping body of each module, in addition to its own valve, with anti-scale system, independently functional from the rest, together with the end module for closing the collector in its end, finalizing the described structure with a spherical connection valve. The device provides a quick connection at one of the ends thereof and on the opposite side a standard male or female threaded connection, eliminating the need for transition parts between the quick connection system and the supply of drinking water.