Pulsating Device with Dual Pressure-Responding Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsating devices are inefficient in converting low-rate, continuous fluid flow into high-rate pulsating or intermittent flow, as they often face challenges in achieving significant pressure differences and minimizing hydraulic resistance, which limits their application in irrigation and spraying systems.
Innovation Solution
A pulsating device with an expandable collection chamber and a burst chamber, featuring two pre-set normally closed valves, where the second valve creates resistance to force the first valve to open widely, allowing fluid to flow with minimal friction loss, and an elastic sleeve surrounding a rigid insert to manage pressure and volume changes effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single normally closed valve is used to convert low continuous flow to high intermittent pulsating flow, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure difference achievement is insufficient and hydraulic resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is segmented into two distinct valves: a first normally closed valve for controlling low continuous flow into the collection chamber, and a second normally closed valve for controlling high intermittent discharge from the burst chamber. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both structural simplicity and high flow conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A burst chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the collection chamber and the discharge outlet. The burst chamber accumulates pressure and enables the second valve to open widely under high pressure, creating the necessary pressure difference and reducing hydraulic resistance. This intermediary chamber acts as a pressure amplifier and flow regulator.
2Measurement precision
If the valve opens narrowly to maintain pressure control, then pressure control precision is improved, but flow rate and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is segmented across two valves operating at different pressure thresholds. The first valve opens narrowly at a lower pressure threshold (first pressure value) to maintain precise pressure control during collection, while the second valve opens widely at a higher pressure threshold (second pressure value) to maximize flow rate during discharge, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure precision and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: during the collection phase, the first valve opens narrowly for precise pressure control; during the discharge phase, the second valve opens widely for high flow rate. This periodic switching between narrow and wide opening states allows the system to achieve both pressure control precision and high productivity at different times in the operational cycle.
3Productivity
If the second valve creates resistance to force the first valve open widely, then flow rate increases, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burst chamber serves as an intermediary that temporarily stores fluid under pressure. When the second valve opens, the pre-accumulated pressure in the burst chamber provides the driving force for high flow rate discharge without requiring continuous resistance creation. This reduces energy loss compared to systems that maintain constant resistance to achieve high flow rates.
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 device efficiently converts low-rate continuous fluid flow into high-rate pulsating flow with minimal resistance, enabling effective operation of irrigation devices like micro sprinklers and foggers, while maintaining low flow rates and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sleeve surrounding a rigid insert to manage pressure and volume changes effectively
Implementation Method 2
The first valve opens relatively narrowly when a collection chamber pressure in the collection chamber exceeds a first pressure value
Implementation Method 3
The second valve creates a resistance, forcing the first valve to open relatively widely
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsating device with two preset pressure-responding normally-closed valves is disclosed. The first valve is used for accumulating fluid. The second valve is used for creating resistance so as to force the first valve to open widely. The second valve may be configured so it creates little to no resistance once opened. In some embodiments, the pulsating device converts a low controlled and/or continuous flow of fluid, such as water and/or air, to a high pulsating and/or intermittent flow. A pulsating device may operate, for example, one or more drip lines, pop ups, sprinklers, misters and/or other irrigation devices.