Pool Controller Valve Bypass Flow to Reduce Valve Hammering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-floor pool cleaning systems experience increased wear and tear due to repeated shutting off and turning on of water pressure, leading to valve hammering and reduced system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller valve with a valve body, a primary water outlet, and a bypass water outlet, featuring a valve cartridge with a diaphragm, piston, and hydro-valve, which selectively directs water flow to manage pressure and reduce wear by diverting water through a bypass outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water pressure is repeatedly shut off and turned on to operate cleaning heads in different zones, then cleaning coverage is improved, but wear and tear on equipment and piping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pool cleaning into multiple zones with separate cleaning heads, allowing selective operation of different zones. The controller valve segments the water flow to direct it to specific zones as needed, enabling comprehensive cleaning coverage while managing water pressure application strategically to reduce overall wear on the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water pressure is repeatedly shut off and turned on to switch between zones, then zone-specific cleaning is achieved, but valve hammering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the controller valve to gradually transition water flow between zones rather than abruptly switching. The valve is designed to preliminary open bypass passages before fully closing main water flow paths, creating a buffer that prevents sudden pressure changes and resulting valve hammering while maintaining zone-specific cleaning capability.
3Ease of operation
If water flow is completely shut off to relieve pressure for cleaning head retraction, then cleaning head positioning is improved, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller valve maintains continuous water circulation through the pool system by opening bypass water outlets that allow water to flow back to the pool without passing through the cleaning heads. This continuous flow keeps the pump running efficiently and maintains system pressure, while still allowing cleaning heads to be positioned by selectively controlling water pressure to specific zones. The bypass flow ensures the system remains in a ready state without complete shutdowns.
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 reduces wear and tear on equipment and piping, minimizes valve hammering, and enhances system efficiency by managing water pressure and allowing continuous water flow without shutting off the pump.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm positioned within the valve cartridge and configured to fluidly isolate an upper chamber from a lower chamber within the valve cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a ball valve having a moveable ball therein sized and shaped to cover and seal an upper chamber inlet port
Implementation Method 3
a cam positioned adjacent to the hydro-valve, the cam having an axis, wherein the cam is rotatably coupled to a motor along the axis of the cam
Implementation Method 4
water pressure within the lower chamber moves the plunger and the piston into the lower position, allowing water flow through the primary water outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A controller valve with a valve body and a valve cartridge. The valve body has a water inlet, a primary water outlet, and a bypass water outlet. The valve cartridge is positioned within the valve body and has a diaphragm that fluidly isolates an upper chamber from a lower chamber within the valve cartridge. A piston is attached to the diaphragm and is configured to move within the valve cartridge between an upper position and a lower position. When the piston is in the upper position, the valve cartridge limits water flow through the primary water outlet and allows water flow through the bypass water outlet, and when the piston is in the lower position, the valve cartridge allows water flow through the primary water outlet and limits water flow through the bypass water outlet.