Pool Cycling Valve Ratchet Control for Low Pressure Loss

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 that rotates in response to water pressure changes, allowing for sequential alignment of outlet ports and enabling indefinite pausing of water flow to specific features or zones, reducing pressure loss and enhancing user control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing pool valves use turbines, gears, and rotating parts controlled by water flow, then the valve can direct water through different systems, but the constant drag on water flow increases pressure requirements and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic water flow direction controlVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes turbines, gears, and rotating parts from the valve structure. Instead, it uses a simple movable damper or gate that can be positioned to direct water flow to different outlets, eliminating the harmful rotating components while maintaining automatic flow direction control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical rotating system with a simpler linear movement system using a damper or gate that slides or pivots to change flow direction. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and eliminates constant drag on water flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing pool valves allow water flow to rotate components, then the valve can switch between different outlets, but the structure causes high pressure loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to direct water to different outletsVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating components to change flow direction, the patent inverts the approach by using a stationary valve body with a movable damper that blocks or directs flow to different outlets. This inversion eliminates rotational drag and reduces pressure loss while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If existing pool valves use multiple pumps to operate multiple water systems, then all systems can run simultaneously, but large amounts of energy are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate multiple water systemsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single pump system with a versatile valve that can direct water flow to multiple different outlets and water features. This multi-functional valve allows one pump to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for multiple pumps and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If existing pool valves control all cleaning heads for the same duration, then the valve operates simply, but the user lacks control over specific areas needing cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple valve operationVSAvoiduser control over specific zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controllable valve mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted to direct water flow to specific outlets for different durations. This dynamic control allows users to target specific pool areas for cleaning while maintaining relatively simple valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows precise control over water distribution to various pool systems, enabling independent operation of water features and cleaning systems without continuous operation of multiple pumps.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the ratchet assembly from the open position to the closed position, and aligning the outlet port aperture with a different outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports in response to a combination of an increase and a decrease in water pressure within the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12422048B1Pool cycling valve

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 COX GOETTL VALVE LLC

AI summary

A method for operating a pool cycling valve includes receiving a stream of water into a valve body through an inlet port to a ratchet assembly in a closed position configured to interfere with the stream of water flowing through the inlet port. Rotating the ratchet assembly from the closed position to an open position, directing the stream of water to a bottom plate outlet port aperture aligned with an outlet port of the valve body. Discharging the stream of water through the outlet port aperture and the outlet port. Rotating the ratchet assembly from the open position to the closed position. Aligning the outlet port aperture with a different outlet port in response to a water pressure change, such as a combination of an increase and a decrease in water pressure, within the valve body.