Ratcheting Pool Cycling Valve for Low-Pressure Outlet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool valves cause high pressure loss and lack user control over water systems, leading to inefficient energy consumption and limited functionality in operating multiple water features or cleaning systems simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A pool cycling valve with a ratchet assembly and bottom plate that rotates to align outlet ports in response to water pressure changes, allowing for sequential operation and indefinite pausing of water flow to specific outlets, enhancing control and reducing pressure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pool valves use turbines, gears, and rotating parts to control water flow, then the valve can direct water to different outlets, but the constant drag on water flow increases pressure requirements and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes turbines, gears, and rotating parts from the valve structure. Instead of using mechanical rotating components to direct water flow, the invention uses a simple movable damper or gate mechanism that can be positioned to redirect water to different outlets without creating continuous drag on the flow, thereby eliminating the energy loss associated with traditional rotating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotating system (turbines and gears) with a different mechanical approach using a movable damper or gate that slides or pivots to change flow direction. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous rotation and associated friction losses while maintaining the ability to control water distribution to multiple outlets.
2Device complexity
If existing pool valves cycle through all outlets simultaneously, then the valve structure is simple, but the user cannot control variable time spent on different outlets or focus on specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the movable damper or gate can be positioned at different locations to selectively direct water to specific outlets. This dynamic positioning capability allows users to control which outlets receive water and for how long, providing versatility in time allocation to different outlets while maintaining a relatively simple valve structure compared to multi-valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal valve structure that can serve multiple functions: it can cycle through all outlets in sequence for general cleaning, or it can be positioned to focus water flow on a specific outlet for extended periods. This multi-functionality is achieved through the movable damper mechanism that can be positioned in various locations, allowing the same valve structure to adapt to different operational requirements without adding multiple separate valves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are used to operate different water systems, then each system can operate independently, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple water system control functions into a single valve with a movable damper or gate mechanism. Instead of requiring separate pumps for different water systems, this single valve can direct water from one pump to multiple outlets selectively. By merging the control functions of what would require multiple independent pumping systems into one valve, the patent significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to operate different water systems independently through proper positioning of the movable component.
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 reduces energy consumption by minimizing pressure loss and provides precise control over water flow, enabling independent operation of multiple water features or cleaning zones without the need for additional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the ratchet assembly rotates from the closed position to the open position in response to pressure exerted on the leading surface of the upper arm by the stream of water
Implementation Method 2
when the ratchet assembly rotates from the closed position to the open position, the at least one ratchet arm flexes and rotates without rotating the bottom plate
Implementation Method 3
when the ratchet assembly rotates from the open position to the closed position, the at least one ratchet arm engages with the at least one ratchet tooth and rotates the bottom plate to align the outlet port aperture with a different one of the plurality of outlet ports
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cycling valve with a valve body, a ratchet assembly, and a bottom plate. The valve body has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The ratchet assembly is rotatably coupled to the valve body and has a ratchet arm extending away from the ratchet assembly. When in a closed position, the ratchet assembly is configured to interfere with a stream of water. When in a open position, the ratchet assembly is rotated from the closed position by a predetermined angle. The bottom plate has an outlet port aperture aligned with one of the outlet ports and a ratchet tooth operably aligned with the ratchet arm. When the ratchet assembly rotates from the open position to the closed position, the ratchet assembly aligns the outlet port aperture with a different outlet port.