Spa Bathtub Operating Unit with Moving Piston Gas Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SPA bathtubs face limitations due to the high resistance of mechanical reflux valves and low discharge capacity of electromagnetic valves in gas supply systems, and the restricted installation positions of water pumps in water circulation systems, which hinder convenient operation and usage flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The operating unit for SPA bathtubs includes a gas supply system with an electric gas pump and a moving piston valve that reduces resistance and allows for large gas flow, and a water circulation system combining diaphragm self-priming and peristaltic pumps with a fluid switch assembly to operate independently of water level, enabling efficient gas supply and water circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical reflux valve is installed to prevent water from entering the electric gas pump, then the pump is protected from water damage, but the valve work increases resistance and reduces gas flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical reflux valve from the gas supply system entirely. Instead, it uses a one-way check valve designed specifically for gas flow that creates minimal resistance. The system extracts the water prevention function from the mechanical valve and replaces it with a gas-optimized valve design that maintains pump protection while eliminating the resistance problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflux valve with a different valve mechanism optimized for gas flow. The new valve design uses a lightweight moving element that responds to gas pressure changes without creating significant flow resistance, substituting the heavy mechanical valve system with a more efficient gas-flow-appropriate mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If an electromagnetic valve is used to control gas flow, then the valve operation is automated, but the discharge amount is small and the price is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified valve design that copies the essential function of electromagnetic valves (automated control) but implements it through a more efficient mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. The system creates a lightweight valve that can be actuated by gas pressure itself or a simple motor, replicating the automated control function without the complexity and cost of electromagnetic actuators.
3Reliability
If water pumps are installed below the water level to enable proper operation, then the pumps can function correctly, but the installation position is restricted and usage flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pump installation approach by placing pumps above the water level instead of below. It uses self-priming pump technology and atmospheric pressure to draw water upward, reversing the conventional gravity-assisted installation method. This allows flexible installation positions while maintaining reliable pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-priming pumps that can automatically prime themselves without requiring external assistance or complex installation arrangements. The pumps use their own operational cycles to create the necessary suction and water column, eliminating the need for installation below water level and enabling versatile positioning options.
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 gas supply efficiency, reduces installation restrictions, and allows for wider application scenarios by providing a more flexible and efficient operation of SPA bathtubs, including effective water circulation and heating/filtering functions even at low water levels.
Implementation Method 1
each inner cavity is provided therein with a moving piston, and the electric gas pump and the electric gas valve are configured to cooperate with each other in such a manner that: during operation of the electric gas pump, the moving piston in the electric gas valve is located in a communication position such that the corresponding gas outlet is opened
Implementation Method 2
diaphragm self-priming pump has a self-priming capability
Implementation Method 3
peristaltic pump
Data Source
AI summary
An SPA bathtub and an operating unit therefor are provided. The operating unit includes a gas supply system including an electric gas valve, at least one gas path connecting pipe and an electric gas pump that can be in fluid communication with the SPA bathtub through them. The electric gas valve includes a valve housing defining at least one inner cavity. The valve housing is provided with a gas inlet configured to communicate with the electric gas pump, and at least one gas outlet each provided therein with a moving piston and configured to communicate with corresponding gas path connecting pipe. Each inner cavity is in fluid communication with corresponding gas path connecting pipe via one gas outlet. The electric gas pump cooperates with the electric gas valve such that: when the electric gas pump operates/stops operating, the moving piston is located in a communication position/an off position.