Solenoid Valve with Delay Chamber for Water Hammer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valves for sanitary appliances face issues such as water hammer, biofilm and bacteriological proliferation, high energy consumption, and difficulty in integration within tap bodies, particularly when powered by battery-operated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve design featuring a body with two compartments, a delay pot with a filtering groove, and a piston with a scraper seal, which slows the closing speed to prevent water hammer, incorporates a small auxiliary seat for low energy consumption, and includes a self-cleaning mechanism to prevent biofilm formation, allowing easy integration into tap bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the solenoid valve closes quickly, then the response time is improved, but water hammer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delay chamber with a groove that creates a controlled delay in the closing action of the solenoid valve. The groove in the delay chamber allows fluid to be gradually redirected, cushioning the closing action and preventing water hammer while maintaining adequate response time
2Force
If the auxiliary seat section is large, then the valve opening force is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the auxiliary seat section to be barely greater than the groove section, finding the minimal necessary area to generate sufficient opening force through pressure differential while minimizing the energy consumption of the solenoid coil
3Loss of time
If the delay chamber volume is large, then the closing delay is improved, but biofilm formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the delay chamber into sections separated by the groove, creating a structured flow path that prevents stagnant zones where biofilm could form, while still providing sufficient delay time for water hammer prevention
4Adaptability or versatility
If the solenoid valve structure is complex, then the functionality is improved, but ease of insertion into tap body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the solenoid valve components to be nested within each other, with the delay pot containing the delay chamber, and the auxiliary valve housed within the main valve structure, reducing the overall footprint and facilitating easy insertion into the tap body
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 effectively prevents water hammer, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes biofilm growth, making it suitable for battery-powered operation and easy installation in sanitary appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a coil, which solenoid valve is characterized, according to the present invention, in that it comprises a delay pot
Implementation Method 2
a delay chamber whose periphery is provided with at least one groove for filtering a fluid
Implementation Method 3
a piston which is provided with a scraper seal cooperating with the groove
Implementation Method 4
the outlet of this auxiliary channel in the upper compartment constituting the auxiliary seat of this solenoid valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The valve (4) has a body (5) divided into upper and lower compartments (5a, 5b) separated by a partition (5c), and a delaying pot (2) with a delaying chamber (25) whose periphery is provided with a groove (20) for filtering fluid discharged downstream of an auxiliary channel (6a). The channel is provided in the partition, where an outlet of the channel in the upper compartment constitutes an auxiliary seat (6b) with a section thinner than that of the groove. The chamber includes a piston (26) that carries a main clapper (23) and has a wiper seal (27) cooperating with the groove.