Solenoid Valve Constant Flow Control via Dynamic Pressure Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves fail to maintain a constant water flow irrespective of varying water pressure in the service pipe, as the channel connecting the flow control sheet to the pipe does not adapt to pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve design featuring a constant flow control member with a chamber and a low-pressure flow control member, which includes two flow channels formed by the outer periphery of the low-pressure flow control member, the inlet port, and the resilient member, allowing the valve to adjust water flow based on pressure differences, ensuring consistent water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single flow channel is used to connect the flow control sheet to the connecting pipe, then the structure is simple, but the water flow cannot be maintained constant under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow channel structure adaptable to pressure changes. The resilient member (spring) dynamically adjusts the position of the flow control sheet based on water pressure, allowing the flow channel cross-section to vary automatically. This dynamic adjustment ensures constant water flow under varying pressure conditions while avoiding the need for complex multi-channel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the flow channel cross-sectional area dynamically through the resilient member's movement. As water pressure varies, the spring compresses or extends, moving the flow control sheet to adjust the flow channel opening size. This parameter change allows the system to maintain constant flow rate despite pressure fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between flow reliability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the flow control sheet is directly connected to the connecting pipe, then the structure is simple, but the water flow varies with pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient member (spring) as an intermediary between the flow control sheet and the connecting pipe. This intermediary component mediates the interaction between water pressure and the flow control sheet, allowing automatic adjustment of the flow channel opening. The spring absorbs pressure variations and translates them into positional adjustments of the flow control sheet, ensuring constant flow while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system operates on self-service principle where the water pressure itself drives the adjustment mechanism. The pressure differential across the resilient member automatically moves the flow control sheet to the appropriate position without external control. The system uses its own operating condition (pressure) to regulate its own performance (flow rate), eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unique passage is formed for water supply, then the structure is simple, but the water flow cannot adapt to pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static unique passage into a dynamic flow channel whose cross-sectional area can adapt to pressure variations. The resilient member enables the passage to dynamically adjust its opening size in response to pressure changes, providing pressure adaptation while maintaining a single continuous passage structure. This dynamic capability allows the simple passage structure to achieve adaptability that would otherwise require complex multi-passage designs.
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 solenoid valve effectively maintains a constant water flow by opening or closing the flow channels in response to pressure changes, ensuring proper water supply to the dispenser and ice maker regardless of pressure variations in the water service pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a passage of the flow control sheet, and a hole of the resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a solenoid valve for controlling water supply. The solenoid valve includes a constant flow control member having a chamber at one side of a connecting pipe branched from a body which has an outlet port, the chamber temporarily accommodating water and quantitatively supplying the water by using a flow control sheet, and a low-pressure flow control member tightly installed in an inlet port which communicates with the connecting pipe of the chamber, the low-pressure flow control member having a hollow body to enclose the flow control sheet. A first flow channel is formed between an outer periphery of the low-pressure flow control member and an inner periphery of the inlet port, and a second flow channel is formed by a hole of the low-pressure flow control member, a passage of the flow control sheet, and a hole of the resilient member.