Motorized Shut-Off Valve with Threaded Actuation for Remote Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valve systems require manual operation, which can lead to prolonged water leaks and damage, especially in unoccupied properties or emergency situations, as they are not easily accessible or remotely controllable.
Innovation Solution
A remote shut-off valve system with a control unit featuring an electric motor with a threaded rod, allowing electronic control for remote operation via a wireless network, enabling the valve to be actuated automatically or manually, and integrated with a diaphragm valve for efficient fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual stop-cock is used to shut off water supply, then the valve structure is simple and reliable, but the valve cannot be operated remotely or automatically, requiring manual intervention which may not be possible when the occupier is absent or the stop-cock is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary device that receives remote signals and actuates the diaphragm valve through hydraulic control. This mediator enables remote operation without requiring direct manual intervention on the valve itself, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity by separating the control function from the execution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical operation of stop-cocks with an automated system using electric motors, control units, and hydraulic actuators. This substitution enables remote and automatic operation while maintaining reliable valve closure, addressing the limitation of manual accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the stop-cock is located out of sight for security or space reasons, then the property layout is improved, but the stop-cock becomes inaccessible and cannot be operated when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate components: the diaphragm valve remains in its secure, hidden location while the control unit can be positioned remotely or made accessible through alternative interfaces. This segmentation allows the valve to stay in its optimal secure location while improving accessibility of the control function.
3Extent of automation
If a battery-operated motor with cam assembly is used to enable remote operation, then automatic control is achieved, but the valve becomes large, bulky, and labour intensive to assemble with individual adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor and cam assembly from the valve body itself, placing the motor in a separate control unit. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal mechanisms within the valve, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining remote control capability through the external control unit.
4Extent of automation
If a rack and pinion mechanism with motor is used for remote operation, then automatic actuation is achieved, but excessive wear on the pinion and potential damage to the manifold and piston occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic actuation system where the motor drives a piston that generates hydraulic pressure to operate the diaphragm valve. This hydraulic mechanism eliminates the rack and pinion gears, removing the source of excessive wear and potential damage while maintaining reliable motorized actuation.
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 remote and automatic control of fluid supply, reducing water damage and wastage by allowing operation without manual intervention, suitable for unoccupied properties and emergency situations, with a compact and durable design.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor having a motor shaft, the motor shaft comprising a threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
the valve member is movable between the open and closed positions by a threading and unthreading interaction of the valve member with the threaded rod
Implementation Method 3
The diaphragm valve is controlled by a hydraulic pilot valve, which in turn is controlled by a toggle or rocker switch
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for remotely controlling the supply of a fluid, such as a mains water supply. According to the invention there is provided a control unit (100) for a remote shut-off valve, the control unit comprising: an electric motor (102) having a motor shaft (108), the motor shaft comprising a threaded rod; a valve (110) comprising a valve member (112), the valve member having a threaded recess (114) for receiving the threaded rod; and an inlet (120) and outlet (130) for fluid, the valve having an open position in which fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet and a closed position in which the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet is blocked, wherein the valve member is movable between the open and closed positions by a threading and unthreading interaction of the valve member with the threaded rod when the motor is operated. Also provided is a control module (200, 250) comprising the control unit and a method of use thereof, and a system (300) comprising the control unit and a diaphragm valve (310, 400).