Regeneration Tank Flow Control and Coupling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional regeneration tanks for water softeners lack control over the flow rate and pressure of water, leading to inconsistent regeneration times and efficiencies, and are prone to damage due to high pressure and improper connection handling, which can result in leaks and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A regeneration tank with a flow control unit to regulate the flow rate and pressure within specific ranges, and a coupling member to protect the connection between the tank and the water softener, ensuring consistent regeneration and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is drawn into the regeneration tank without flow rate control, then the regeneration process is simple, but the regeneration time and efficiency become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the flow rate of water drawn into the regeneration tank within a specific range (0.5-2.0 L/min). This parameter control ensures consistent regeneration efficiency and time while preventing excessive pressure buildup, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and avoiding complex control mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If water pressure is not controlled during regeneration, then the system is simpler, but the regeneration time becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains water pressure within the regeneration tank at a controlled range (0.05-0.2 MPa) during the regeneration process. This parameter control ensures consistent regeneration timing and quality without requiring complex pressure control systems, as the flow rate control inherently manages pressure levels.
3Reliability
If the connection part between regeneration tank and water softener is directly connected, then the structure is simpler, but the connection part is prone to damage from high pressure and improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a coupling member with a buffer chamber between the regeneration tank and water softener connection. This buffer chamber acts as a cushioning element that absorbs pressure shocks and protects the connection part from damage due to high pressure or improper handling, thereby improving reliability while adding minimal structural complexity.
4Ease of repair
If the coupling member is integrated into the regeneration tank body, then the structure is more compact, but replacement of damaged coupling members requires replacing the entire tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coupling member as a separate, detachable component from the regeneration tank body. This segmentation allows the coupling member to be replaced independently when damaged, significantly improving ease of repair and reducing maintenance costs, while the modular design adds minimal overall complexity to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A regeneration tank for water softeners which includes a flow rate control unit to control the pressure in the regeneration tank, and a coupling member to protect a connection part between the regeneration tank and a water softener. The regeneration tank includes a hollow casing, which has an open inlet part, through which regenerative substances are supplied into the casing. The hollow casing further has a mounting part, which is coupled to the water softener, and a storage part, which is provided between the open inlet part and the mounting part to contain the regenerative substance therein.