Pool Cycling Valve Ratchet Assembly for Low-Pressure Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool valves suffer from high pressure loss and lack of control over water flow, leading to inefficient energy use and limited functionality in managing multiple water features and cleaning systems, as they rely on turbines and rotating parts that increase pressure requirements and restrict variable control over water features and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A pool cycling valve with a ratchet assembly and bottom plate that rotates in response to water pressure changes, allowing for sequential alignment with multiple outlet ports without rotating the entire valve body, enabling efficient water distribution and control through a system with reduced pressure loss and enhanced user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pool valves use turbines and rotating parts to control water flow, then the valve can direct water to different outlets, but the pressure loss increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the turbine and rotating mechanical parts from the valve system. Instead, it uses a simple movable plate with outlets that can be positioned to direct water flow to different destinations. This extraction of complex rotating mechanisms eliminates the drag and pressure loss they caused while maintaining the ability to control water distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical turbine-based flow control system with a simpler plate-based system that uses water pressure itself to position the plate and control flow direction. This substitution eliminates the need for rotating parts that create drag, thereby reducing energy loss while preserving flow control functionality.
2Device complexity
If existing pool valves use a single valve to control multiple water features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over individual features is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve into multiple independent outlet ports on the movable plate, each capable of being individually controlled. The plate can be positioned to direct water to different outlets or to multiple outlets simultaneously, allowing independent control of each water feature while using a single valve body. This segmentation provides both simplicity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically positionable plate that can be moved to different positions to control water flow distribution. The plate's position can be adjusted based on which outlets need water, providing flexible control over multiple features. This dynamic positioning allows the single valve to adapt to different operational requirements without adding complex separate valves.
3Quantity of substance
If existing pool valves require multiple pumps to serve multiple water systems, then the water flow requirements are met, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal valve that can direct water flow to multiple different outlets and systems using a single valve body with multiple controllable outlets. This multi-functional valve allows one pump to serve multiple water features and systems by simply repositioning the valve plate, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pumps and thereby reducing energy consumption.
4Device complexity
If existing pool valves cycle through all outlets simultaneously, then the valve structure is simplified, but the ability to provide variable control over specific outlets is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable plate that can be positioned to control which outlets receive water and for how long. The plate can be held in position to allow variable operation times for different outlets, enabling flexible control patterns such as keeping one outlet open while cycling another. This dynamic control provides adaptability without complex cycling mechanisms.
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 energy consumption by minimizing pressure loss and allows for precise control over water features and cleaning systems, enabling longer operation of specific features and targeted cleaning areas without the need for multiple pumps, thus improving efficiency and user control.
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
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.