Pressure-Responsive Piston Flow Regulator for Dirty Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow regulators in irrigation systems, especially those handling dirty water, often clog due to small passageways, leading to inefficiencies and reduced reliability in regulating flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator design featuring a movable piston member with a notch that gradually decreases in size, allowing water to flow through large passages, which are self-regulating and resistant to blockages, utilizing water pressure to adjust flow rates quickly and maintain constant passage sizes, thereby preventing debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If small passageways are used in flow regulators, then flow regulation precision is improved, but clogging reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is segmented into multiple sections: a first passage section with larger dimensions for debris passage, a second passage section for flow regulation, and a connection section between them. This segmentation allows different sections to serve different functions - the first section resists clogging while the second provides precise flow control
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the flow passage have different local qualities - the first passage section has larger cross-sectional dimensions optimized for debris passage, while the second passage section has smaller dimensions optimized for flow regulation precision. Each section is optimized for its specific function rather than using uniform dimensions throughout
2Reliability
If large passageways are used in flow regulators, then clogging resistance is improved, but flow regulation precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is divided into distinct segments with different dimensional characteristics. The first passage section connects to the inlet and has larger cross-sectional dimensions to facilitate debris passage. The second passage section connects to the outlet and has smaller dimensions for precise flow control. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both large and small passage sections in sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The transition between the first and second passage sections occurs through a connection section that gradually changes the cross-sectional dimensions. This dimensional transition allows the flow passage to evolve from large dimensions (for debris resistance) to small dimensions (for flow precision) along the flow path, effectively combining both advantages
3Measurement precision
If complex hydraulic networks are used for pressure compensation, then flow regulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator combines the flow regulation function and pressure compensation function into a single integrated device. The piston moves within the housing to simultaneously control the flow passage area and compensate for pressure variations, eliminating the need for separate complex hydraulic networks while maintaining flow regulation accuracy
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 design ensures high reliability and rapid response in flow regulation, reducing the likelihood of clogging and maintaining optimal flow rates for irrigation actions like filtration, even with dirty water, by allowing debris to be released as pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the piston member towards and away from the base member is affected by water pressure existing upstream and downstream to an entry into the piston member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A flow regulator for regulating a flow rate of water within at least a section of a water system includes a base member and piston member. The piston member is movable relative to the base member and includes at least one notch through which water can flow when passing through the flow regulator. Movement of the piston member towards and away from the base member, respectively, decreases and increases an area of the notch through which water can flow.