Rotating Fluid Distribution Valve for Pool Cleaning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-floor pool cleaning system distribution valves require significant force to operate due to individual outlet valves and gear reduction mechanisms, leading to wear and tear, increased maintenance costs, and inefficient fluid flow with potential leakage, necessitating a more efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A distribution valve with a rotating fluid distribution plate that sequentially activates cleaning heads, eliminating the need for individual outlet valves and reducing stress on components, allowing for improved fluid flow and reduced power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual outlet valves with gear reduction mechanism are used, then fluid flow direction can be controlled, but significant force is required to operate the valves leading to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual outlet valves into a single rotating valve body with multiple outlet ports. The valve body rotates to align different outlet ports with the inlet port, eliminating the need for separate valves for each outlet. This reduces the total number of moving parts and the force required to operate the valve system while maintaining the ability to direct fluid flow to different outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the valve mechanism and the flow distribution system. A single rotating component performs the work of multiple individual valves, providing universal control over all outlet ports through one mechanical action, thereby reducing operational force and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual outlet valves are used, then each outlet can be controlled independently, but the number of moving parts increases leading to more malfunctions and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual outlet valves into a single integrated rotating valve body. Instead of having separate valves for each outlet, one rotating component with multiple ports provides independent control to each outlet through rotation, significantly reducing the number of moving parts while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating valve body performs multiple valve functions simultaneously. A single component provides flow control to multiple outlets through its rotation, making the system more versatile while reducing complexity. The universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate valve mechanisms.
3Productivity
If conventional outlet valves are used, then fluid flow can be directed to outlet ports, but fluid leakage occurs through closed valves reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from multiple individual valves and concentrates it in a single rotating valve body design. The continuous rotation and centralized sealing mechanism reduce leakage paths, eliminating the blow-by issues associated with conventional multi-valve systems and improving overall fluid flow efficiency.
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 enhances operational efficiency by minimizing wear and tear, reducing maintenance needs, and lowering power consumption while maintaining effective debris removal, with improved fluid flow and reduced leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A drive source, such as an impeller, is in mechanical communication with the plate
Implementation Method 2
As the plate rotates, the aperture(s) in the plate move circumferentially to permit the fluid in the cavity to move through the aperture(s) and sequentially through each of the outlet ports
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a valve for use in in-floor pool cleaning systems. The valve has a housing with an inlet port, an internal cavity and multiple outlet ports. A drive source, which can be an impeller positioned in the cavity and in fluid communication with the inlet port, is directly or indirectly (such as by a gear assembly) connected to a fluid control plate that has one or more apertures. As fluid enters the cavity through the inlet port the drive rotates the fluid control plate. As the plate rotates the aperture(s) rotate to allow the fluid to pass through the aperture(s) and into the respective outlet ports.