Valve Actuator Cover With Open-Bottom Venting Against Water Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valve actuators in filtration systems for pools and spas are prone to failure due to water intrusion, which can lead to the failure of automatic circulation during freezing temperatures, causing damage to the water features.
Innovation Solution
A water-impermeable actuator cover is designed to protect the valve actuator from moisture, allowing air circulation through an open bottom and securing to the valve or water piping, preventing water intrusion and ensuring proper operation during cold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator housing is sealed with an O-ring to prevent water intrusion, then water protection is improved, but water can still pass around the O-ring causing circuitry failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the protection system into two separate sealed chambers: one for the motor and one for the circuitry. This segmentation prevents water that penetrates the housing from reaching the circuitry, even if it bypasses the O-ring seal around the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a protective cover as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the actuator components. This cover provides an additional layer of protection beyond the O-ring seal, preventing water from reaching the circuitry board.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator cover is sealed completely to protect from water, then water protection is improved, but air circulation is blocked preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with differentiated properties: the main body is water-impermeable to protect components, while the bottom portion is open or permeable to allow air circulation. This local variation in permeability satisfies both protection and ventilation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover uses a flexible or semi-rigid material that can be configured to provide water protection while maintaining air flow characteristics in specific regions, balancing protection and ventilation needs.
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 actuator cover effectively prevents water intrusion, ensuring the valve actuators function correctly, maintaining water circulation and preventing damage to pool or spa systems during freezing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator cover having an open bottom so as to permit air to circulate through the open bottom into the cover inner cavity and around the valve actuator
Implementation Method 2
the actuator cover having an open bottom so as to permit air to circulate through the open bottom into the cover inner cavity and around the valve actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies for protecting valve actuators from water intrusion and methods of making and using the same are described. The assembly comprises a valve, a valve actuator, and a cover. The valve comprises a body and a stem. The stem is movable between a first valve position permitting passage of fluid through a flow passage in the body and a second valve position occluding passage of fluid through the flow passage. The valve actuator comprises an adapter coupled to the stem movable between a first actuator position placing the stem in the first valve position and a second actuator position placing the stem in the second valve position. The cover is disposed over the valve actuator and comprises an upper surface and a sidewall defining an inner cavity. The cover has an open bottom so as to permit air to circulate into the inner cavity and around the valve actuator.