Suction-Cup Closure Delay Valve for Reliable Timed Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves used in water tanks, such as those in flush toilets, are cumbersome, unreliable, and prone to wasting water due to their reliance on large floats for operation, which can fail to close properly, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A normally closed valve with a closure delay system utilizing a suction cup with a curved bell-like shape to create a vacuum, keeping the valve open for a preset time period by leveraging the pressure difference between the atmosphere and the vacuum created under the suction cup, allowing for adjustable closure delay through material selection and spring mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve mechanisms use large floats to ensure reliable closure, then the valve closure reliability improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the float mechanism from the valve system entirely. Instead of using a float that rises with water level to trigger closure, the invention uses a simple push-button actuator that directly activates the closure sequence through a mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for large floats and associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The closure process is segmented into distinct phases: immediate closure (first end of closure period) and delayed closure (second end of closure period). This is achieved through a mechanical linkage that allows partial closure initially, then completes full closure after a predetermined time delay, providing reliable closure without requiring complex float mechanisms
2Reliability
If conventional valves use large floats to control water flow, then the valve can shut off water flow, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires large tanks for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the float component entirely from the valve mechanism. Closure is achieved through a push-button actuator that triggers a mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for large tanks or floating components while maintaining reliable water flow control and shut-off function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the buoyancy-based float mechanism with a purely mechanical push-button actuation system. The closure sequence is controlled by mechanical linkages and timing mechanisms rather than water-level-dependent float movement, significantly reducing device volume while maintaining closure reliability
3Ease of operation
If conventional valve mechanisms rely on float engagement with tank walls, then the valve can be actuated, but the float may frictionally engage and fail to close the valve, causing water waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the float from the actuation mechanism entirely. Instead of relying on float engagement with tank walls or water level, a push-button actuator directly initiates the closure sequence through mechanical linkages, eliminating frictional engagement issues and ensuring reliable closure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through its mechanical linkage system. Once the push-button is pressed, the mechanical linkages automatically sequence the closure operations without requiring continuous external input or floating components that may fail due to friction, ensuring reliable operation
4Duration of action of moving object
If conventional valves are designed for automatic closure based on water level, then the valve can control flow duration, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes complex water-level sensing and float mechanisms from the automatic closure system. Instead, a simple push-button actuator initiates a predetermined closure sequence through mechanical linkages with built-in timing, achieving flow duration control with minimal moving parts that require little maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system is pre-configured with built-in timing characteristics that automatically sequence the closure operations. The first end of the closure period and second end are predetermined by the mechanical design, eliminating the need for complex sensors or adjustable mechanisms that would require maintenance
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 provides a compact, reliable, and fail-safe mechanism for controlling liquid flow, reducing water waste by ensuring precise control over the flow duration and minimizing maintenance, suitable for various applications including toilets and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilize the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup having a curved bell-like shaped wall to generate a force that acts to keep a normally-closed valve open
Implementation Method 2
leveraging the pressure difference between the atmosphere and the vacuum created under the suction cup
Implementation Method 3
The working face of the suction cup is formed of elastic, flexible material such as elastomeric materials including but not limited to silicone rubber
Data Source
AI summary
A normally closed valve according to the invention comprises a closure delay system utilizing the effect of vacuum on a flexible suction cup to generate a force that keeps the valve open when in an open orientation for a preset time period. The valve further comprises a closure delay mechanism including an actuator shaft and a suction cup disposed in a cavity, being configured for downward reciprocating movement, wherein the suction cup engages the cavity top wall when the valve is in closed orientation thereby closing the valve, and adhering to a suction surface of the cavity when the actuator shaft moves under pressure for switching the valve from closed to open orientation thereby opening the valve. The suction cup automatically disengages the suction surface a preset time period after pressure ceases to be applied to the actuator shaft and reengages the cavity top wall thereby closing the valve.