Self-Energized Timer Valve Using Water-Driven Clockwork Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water valve systems are limited by the need for electrical connections, extensive pipelines, frequent battery replacements, and manual operation, making them costly, maintenance-intensive, and unsuitable for remote locations without electrical service.
Innovation Solution
A self-energized programmable timer control valve system that uses a mechanical clock mechanism with hour and minute dials, converting rotational movements to linear movements to control valve opening and closing, and is powered by a turbine apparatus driven by the media flow, eliminating the need for batteries and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical solenoid-controlled valves are used for programmable water control, then programmability and automation are improved, but electrical wiring requirements and pipeline complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical solenoid actuators with a purely mechanical timing mechanism consisting of a clockwork engine, dials, and cam-operated linkages. The mechanical system directly actuates the valve plug through rotational and linear movements, eliminating the need for electrical wiring while maintaining programmable automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is self-powered through a turbine apparatus that converts water flow pressure into mechanical energy to wind the clockwork engine. This self-service mechanism eliminates external power requirements and reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining continuous operational capability.
2Device complexity
If battery-powered programmable valves are used, then electrical wiring is eliminated, but battery replacement frequency and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine apparatus continuously converts water flow energy into mechanical power to wind the clockwork engine, creating a self-sustaining power source. This eliminates batteries and associated maintenance while providing continuous operational capability through the naturally flowing water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system harnesses hydraulic energy from the water flow itself to drive the turbine and power the mechanical clockwork mechanism. This direct conversion of water flow pressure into operational energy eliminates the need for external power sources and reduces maintenance requirements.
3Device complexity
If mechanical countdown valves are used, then electrical wiring and batteries are eliminated, but manual operation and time limitation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine-powered clockwork engine automatically winds itself using water flow energy, enabling the valve to operate continuously without manual intervention. The mechanical timing mechanism programmably controls valve operation for extended durations beyond simple countdown limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual winding to dynamic self-winding through the turbine mechanism. The clockwork engine automatically accumulates energy from water flow to drive the timing mechanism and valve actuation, enabling continuous operation without human intervention.
4Duration of action of moving object
If programmable valves with extended operation time are used, then watering duration flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts hydraulic energy from the water supply into mechanical power through the turbine, creating a self-sustaining energy source. This allows extended operational duration without increased power consumption, as the energy is harvested from the natural water flow rather than an external power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system powers itself using the water flow that is already present in the system. The turbine continuously converts kinetic energy from moving water into mechanical energy to drive the clockwork mechanism, enabling extended operation without additional energy input or consumption.
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
This solution reduces costs, maintenance, and human intervention, enabling reliable operation in remote areas by using the water flow to energize the valve system, thus providing programmable and efficient water control without extensive infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an energizer apparatus (sometimes referred to herein as an 'energizer') that can be part of or separate from the valve and plunger apparatus... A preferred embodiment of an energizer apparatus of this invention is a turbine apparatus (sometimes referred to herein as a 'turbine')
Data Source
AI summary
A self-energized programmable timer valve is provided in embodiments of this invention that can be used in watering and other systems, such as lawn watering systems and agricultural watering systems. The invention provides one or more components that serve the functions of a clock, a valve and an energizer (e.g., turbine) (i.e., a clock function, a valve function, and an energizing and/or turbine function) to control the flow of media (e.g., water) through the valve. Exemplary components comprise a programmable clock apparatus comprising a mechanical clock mechanism and a mechanical mainspring, the programmable clock apparatus capable of opening and closing a control valve system by using a first connecting apparatus; the first connecting apparatus which converts the rotational movement of an of an hour dial and a minute dial to a linear movement of a valve plug component to open and close the control valve system and control the flow of media through it; and a turbine apparatus comprising a turbine shaft that has a turbine impeller on one end that is capable of turning when water flows through the control valve system, wherein when the turbine impeller turns its rotational energy is transferred to the mechanical mainspring of the programmable clock apparatus.