Step-Operated Flow Control Valve for Water Slide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water toys like children's water slides and sprinklers consume excessive water when not in use, as they require continuous water flow for functionality, leading to inefficiency in water usage during periods of non-activity.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve with a step-on panel actuating member that automatically adjusts water flow, biased to return to a throttling position reducing water flow between usage periods, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and damping action to gradually close the valve after a set time, allowing full flow only during active use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous water flow is supplied to water toys, then the toys can function properly during play, but excessive water is consumed during non-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to dynamically adjust between two flow states: fully open during active use and throttled during non-use. The actuating member transitions the valve from a static continuous-flow state to a dynamic state that responds to user presence, automatically adjusting water flow based on whether the toy is currently being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own action (stepping on the actuating member) to trigger the valve opening, and the spring mechanism automatically returns the valve to throttled position when not in use. The damper further automates the closing process by controlling the return speed, eliminating the need for manual valve adjustment while ensuring water flow matches actual usage needs.
2Loss of substance
If a valve is designed to automatically return to throttled position, then water consumption is reduced, but the valve must be fully open during actual use
Solution Approach 1:
The operation complexity is extracted from the user by using a simple step-on actuating member instead of requiring manual valve handling. The user only needs to step on the panel, which automatically triggers the valve to open fully, eliminating the need for users to understand or manipulate complex valve mechanisms while ensuring adequate water flow during play.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically return the valve to the throttled position after use, and the damper is pre-configured to control the closing speed. This preliminary setup ensures that the valve is ready to close automatically after each use without requiring user intervention, maintaining water conservation while being ready for immediate reopening when needed.
3Loss of substance
If the valve closes quickly after use, then water conservation is maximized, but the transition may be too abrupt
Solution Approach 1:
The damper acts as a cushioning element that slows down the valve's return to the closed position. Instead of the valve snapping shut immediately, the damper provides a controlled, gradual closure over several seconds. This cushions the transition from full flow to throttled flow, preventing abrupt changes that could cause water hammer effects or sudden pressure changes in the system while still achieving water conservation.
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 significantly reduces water consumption by limiting flow to 30% of the maximum rate during non-use periods, optimizing water usage while ensuring full flow during active play, thus addressing the inefficiency in water usage of such toys.
Implementation Method 1
which is biased (e.g. spring loaded) to return automatically to a throttling position
Implementation Method 2
The valve has a damper on it to slowly close after preselected periods of time
Data Source
AI summary
A portable childrens' water slide apparatus having a water slide with an elongate plastic sheet extending horizontally along the ground between entry and exit ends and, a water chamber extending along one edge of the sheet with an inlet and outlet jets for spraying water over the sheet. A delayed return, flow control valve coupled between the chamber and a water hose has a valve actuating member with a horizontal, step-on panel movable between an upper, throttling position and a depressed, unthrottling position when stepped on before entering the slide. A spring biases the panel upwards. A valve body has a flow control member linked to the panel for movement to an unthrottling position by depression by a child stepping thereon, permitting a maximum water flow to the slide during sliding; and a device delays return of the flow control member to the throttling position after stepping off the panel.