Servo Valve Segmented Flow Paths and Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Servo-controlled valves in sanitary engineering, such as those used in urinals, are prone to contamination and reliability issues due to susceptibility of the passage in the rolling diaphragm, leading to impaired functionality and reduced precision in opening and closing operations.

Innovation Solution

A servo-controlled valve design featuring filters in the water channels, with a coarse filter for the main flow and a fine filter for the control channel, along with a pressure regulator and a central permanent magnet piston, reduces contamination risk and enhances reliability and precision by minimizing flow resistance and allowing for self-cleaning, while the filter arrangement and housing configuration facilitate easy maintenance and efficient water use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passage in the rolling diaphragm is used to connect the control chamber to the inlet, then the valve can be controlled, but the passage is susceptible to contamination and blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve functionalityVSAvoidcontamination susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the water flow paths into two distinct channels: a main water channel for bulk water flow and a control water channel for control chamber pressurization. This segmentation allows different filtering strategies for each channel, protecting the control passage from contamination while maintaining reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a filter as an intermediary element in the control water channel to prevent contamination from reaching the control chamber. The filter acts as a barrier that mediates between the incoming water and the sensitive control mechanisms, ensuring reliable valve functionality without direct exposure to contaminants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fine filter is installed to protect the control passage, then contamination is reduced, but flow resistance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different filtering qualities to different water channels: a coarse filter with larger pores is used in the main water channel where high flow volume passes through, while a fine filter with smaller pores is used only in the control water channel where minimal water volume flows. This local differentiation of filter quality protects control passages from contamination without creating excessive flow resistance in the main flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a passage in the rolling diaphragm is used for control water flow, then the valve can be actuated, but calcification can narrow the passage and impair functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve actuationVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the water control into a dedicated control water channel separate from the main flow path, the invention protects the actuation mechanism from long-term exposure to contaminants and calcification. The control channel receives filtered water, extending the service life of the valve while maintaining ease of operation through reliable water delivery to the control chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the control chamber is connected via a passage in the rolling diaphragm, then pneumatic control is enabled, but parts in water can block the passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepneumatic control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter serves as an intermediary protective element in the control water channel, enabling pneumatic control capability to function reliably by preventing particles and debris from blocking the control passage. The filter mediates between the potentially contaminated water supply and the sensitive control mechanisms, ensuring consistent valve actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces contamination risks, enhances the valve's reliability and precision, extends its service life, and ensures efficient and economical water use by preventing flow impediments and maintaining precise control over the valve's opening and closing times.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic piston (34) which acts on the closing part (14) to open the valve (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a filter (38) is arranged in front of the further water channel (17), in which the water flowing to the further water channel (17) is filtered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2169288B1Power controlled valve
Publication Date: 2011.01.26 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2169288B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The servo actuated valve has housing (2), which has a main valve seat (9) between an inlet (7) and a discharge opening (8) and is locked by a buckle unit (14). A pilot valve (28) is provided, which has an auxiliary valve seat in a pilot valve chamber, which is lockable with another buckle unit. The latter buckle unit has an anchor (29), which is arranged in the pilot valve chamber. A hydrodynamic tank (17) is provided in the housing.