Compact Multi-Way Valve for Swimming Pool Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-way valves for swimming pools are bulky, expensive, and require significant installation time, lacking a compact and inexpensive solution to selectively direct flow between main and secondary circuits, and often lack an opening indicator, making them difficult to manipulate and reset.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-way valve with four connections, featuring a single control member that allows selective configuration of communication channels between tube connections, including a setting indicator for easy manipulation and a motorized option for remote control, enabling efficient distribution of liquid flow between main and bypass circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three separate valves are used for bypass equipment connection, then flow rate and pressure adjustment capabilities are improved, but device complexity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate valves (upstream valve, downstream valve, and main circuit valve) into a single multi-way valve body with multiple ports. This single valve integrates the functions of flow rate adjustment, pressure adjustment, and isolation capabilities that were previously distributed across three separate valves, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-way valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can adjust flow rate to bypass equipment, adjust pressure in the bypass circuit, and isolate equipment from the main circuit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized valves while maintaining all required control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three separate valves are installed for bypass equipment, then flow control functionality is improved, but installation time and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate valve installations into a single valve body with multiple ports, dramatically reducing the number of installation connections and steps. The single valve provides isolation capability between the main circuit and bypass equipment while reducing installation time and space requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional valves without opening indicators are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in restoring initial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as color-coded markers or position indicators) on the valve body or control mechanism that show the current opening position and allow users to easily identify and restore initial settings. These indicators are integrated into the valve design in a cost-effective manner that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
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 valve allows for easy and efficient manipulation of liquid flow between main and bypass circuits, reducing installation time and cost, while providing a compact solution for existing filtration systems, and can be remotely controlled for automated operation.
Implementation Method 1
a single control member adapted to allow the selective creation of several communication channel configurations within the valve between some of the tubing connections
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting valve (10), comprising at least four connections (101 – 104) for fluid circulation tubes, which comprises a single control member (120) designed to allow the selective creation of several configurations of communication pathways within the valve, between certain tube connections; these configurations notably include: • a first configuration in which a first tube connection, referred to as "main inlet" (103) is placed in communication with only a second tube connection, referred to as "main outlet" (104), • a second configuration in which the main inlet is placed in communication with a third tube connection (101), referred to as "bypass outlet", and a fourth tube connection (102) referred to as "bypass return" is placed in communication with the main outlet, and • a third configuration in which the main inlet is placed in communication both with the main outlet and with the bypass outlet, and the bypass return is placed in communication with the main outlet.