Temperature-Actuated Valve Regulates Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
In new-home construction, the use of long piping runs and low-flow fixtures leads to excessive delays in delivering warm water to fixtures like showerheads, as cold water needs to be purged and the piping warmed, especially in larger houses with single piping runs serving multiple rooms, causing inconvenience to users.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that regulates water flow based on temperature, allowing a high flow rate when water is below a predetermined level to quickly purge cold water and reducing flow rate once warmed to a comfortable level, using a housing with multiple flow paths and a temperature-sensitive actuator to manage flow through the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If low-flow fixtures are used to conserve water, then water conservation is improved, but the time to purge cold water from piping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve dynamically adjusts flow rate based on water temperature conditions. During cold water purge (when temperature is below threshold), the valve maintains high flow rate to quickly clear cold water from piping. Once warm water arrives (temperature at or above threshold), the valve automatically reduces flow rate to the fixture's rated low-flow level, thus conserving water during normal operation while enabling rapid purge when needed.
2Loss of time
If high flow rate is used to quickly purge cold water, then time to deliver warm water is reduced, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve implements periodic action by operating in two distinct phases: a high-flow purge phase activated when cold water is detected in the piping, and a low-flow conservation phase activated when warm water is delivered. This periodic switching between high and low flow rates allows the system to achieve rapid warm water delivery when needed while maintaining water conservation during normal fixture operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If long piping runs are used to serve multiple rooms, then piping material usage is reduced, but the volume of cold water to be purged increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve enables the piping system to self-regulate by automatically detecting the presence of cold water through temperature sensing and initiating high-flow purge mode when needed. This self-service capability allows long piping runs to efficiently clear cold water without requiring additional piping infrastructure or manual intervention, thus maintaining the material efficiency benefits of long runs while eliminating their primary disadvantage.
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 valve system minimizes the delay between turning on the shower and achieving comfortable water temperature by quickly purging cold water and adjusting flow rates to maintain efficient operation, reducing the time needed to warm the piping and deliver warm water.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that moves the blocking member from the second position to the first position in response to changes in the temperature of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level
Implementation Method 3
The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level. The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level. The valves can thus facilitate purging of cold water from the hot-water supply piping upstream of the valves at a relatively fast rate, while reducing the flow rate of the water once the water reaching the valves has warmed to a comfortable level.