Pressure-Responsive Shut-Off Valve for RO Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior reverse osmosis (RO) filtering systems are complex and costly due to the need for additional components like solenoid valves and pressure switches, making them large and cumbersome, and they require a complicated arrangement to operate effectively, especially in zero waste systems.
Innovation Solution
A new shut-off valve design using two rolling diaphragms and a piston with a spring coupling to provide opposing force, which selectively opens and closes the fluid pathway based on pressure levels within the system, eliminating the need for solenoid valves and pressure switches by using a magnetic field sensor switch assembly to control the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid valves and pressure switches are used to control the pump in zero waste RO systems, then the system can operate effectively, but the device complexity increases and the system becomes larger and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off valve function with the pump control mechanism by integrating a piston directly into the valve body. The piston responds to pressure changes within the system to automatically open or close the shut-off valve, eliminating the need for separate solenoid valves and pressure switches. This merging of functions reduces component count and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve system is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes without external control signals. The piston moves in response to pressure differential across the membrane, automatically opening the valve when pressure drops (indicating tank needs refilling) and closing when pressure is sufficient. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex control circuits and external sensors.
2Reliability
If solenoid valves and pressure switches are used in the RO system, then the system can control water flow effectively, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electronic components (solenoid valves and pressure switches) with a simpler mechanical piston-based shut-off valve. The piston system uses basic mechanical elements that are cheaper to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall system cost while maintaining effective water flow control through pressure-responsive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical pressure-responsive piston mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive electronic components, wiring, and control logic, while achieving the same water flow control function through mechanical means that are simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture.
3Reliability
If a complicated arrangement of components is used to operate the RO system, then the system can function properly, but the ease of assembly and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex control components (solenoid valves, pressure switches, control circuits) from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical shut-off valve with piston. This extraction simplifies assembly and maintenance by reducing the number of components that need to be installed, connected, and potentially repaired, while maintaining proper system function through the simplified pressure-responsive mechanism.
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 simplifies the system, reduces costs, and makes it more compact by directly controlling the flow based on pressure changes, enhancing reliability and ease of assembly and maintenance, while maintaining efficient operation in both standard and zero waste RO systems.
Implementation Method 1
selectively opens and closes the fluid pathway based on pressure levels within the system
Implementation Method 2
a piston with a spring coupling to provide opposing force
Data Source
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AI summary
A shut-off valve for use in a reverse osmosis filtering system including a housing defining an interior in fluid communication with a water inlet, a water outlet, and a permeate inlet, the housing having a fluidic network with a flowpath that connects the water inlet and the water outlet, a diaphragm plate forming a portion of the fluidic network within the interior, a piston within the interior for selectively opening and closing the flowpath, and at least one diaphragm coupling to the piston and the diaphragm plate such that as permeate pressure changes occur at the permeate outlet, the piston rocks between opening and closing the flowpath based on deflection of the at least one diaphragm in response to the permeate pressure changes.