Toggle Valve Assembly for Accurate Water Meter Air Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water meters inaccurately measure fluid volume due to the inclusion of air bubbles or pockets in water supply lines, leading to higher billing for consumers, as they cannot distinguish between air and water flow, and users are prohibited from installing venting devices to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with an external casing and internal components, including a toggle stopper and calibrated spring, that differentiates between pressurized water and air by sealing when air pressure is lower, allowing only pressurized water to pass through and equalizing pressures to reopen the valve, thereby preventing air from being measured by the meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional water meters are used to measure fluid volume in water supply lines, then the meters can measure the total volume of fluid passing through them, but they cannot distinguish between air and water flow, leading to inaccurate measurement and higher billing for consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a float mechanism for detecting fluid density, a valve body with inlet/outlet ports, and internal passages that separate air and water flow paths. This segmentation allows the device to differentiate between air and water while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A float acts as an intermediary element that responds to the density difference between air and water. The float rises with water flow and falls with air flow, mechanically triggering the valve to open or close. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate differentiation without requiring complex electronic sensors or processing
2Measurement precision
If venting devices are installed to remove air from water supply lines, then air can be eliminated to improve measurement accuracy, but users are prohibited from installing such devices
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to automatically detect and respond to air versus water flow conditions without requiring external control or adjustment. The float mechanism self-actuates the valve based on fluid density, eliminating the need for user intervention, calibration, or complex installation procedures. This self-service capability allows the device to be installed anywhere in the water supply line without special permissions or expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of air detection, air rejection, and water flow measurement into a single integrated valve assembly that can be installed in series with existing water meters. This combination eliminates the need for separate venting devices and maintains compatibility with standard water supply infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If the valve assembly seals to prevent air from passing through, then air measurement is prevented, but the valve must still allow pressurized water to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with dynamic characteristics that respond to flow conditions. The float mechanism continuously adjusts the valve position based on real-time fluid density, allowing full open position for water flow (maintaining productivity) and sealed position for air flow (ensuring accuracy). This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and flow rate
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 enhances the accuracy of water meter readings by preventing the measurement of air as water, reducing unnecessary billing for consumers and maintaining the functionality of existing water meters while allowing for the accurate measurement of other fluid flows like liquid natural gas and crude oil.
Implementation Method 1
equalizing pressures to reopen the valve
Implementation Method 2
calibrated spring
Implementation Method 3
differentiates between pressurized water and air by sealing when air pressure is lower
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method to improve accuracy of a water meter where a fluid is introduced into a valve assembly having an external casing. The fluid contacts a toggle stopper having a shaft, plate, and guides. A calibrated spring positioned around the shaft in contact with the plate assesses if the desired fluid meets a predetermined pressure. If yes, the calibrated spring compresses thereby toggling the plate within the chamber to allow desired fluid to enter the chamber. If no, the calibrated spring remains in an expanded state to seal the valve assembly. Upon such seal, there is an equalizing of both the desired and undesired fluids to the same pressure by decreasing the volume of the undesired fluid, causing the calibrated spring to compress and reopen.