Pool Valve Actuator Handle for Power-Loss Position Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-position valve actuators for swimming pools and spas lack non-electronic means to indicate valve position and allow manual override, especially when power is disrupted, and rely on centralized power centers which are becoming less necessary.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-position valve actuators with an externally accessible handle for mechanical indication and manual override, equipped with on-board power sources and encoder assemblies to track valve position, enabling independent operation and communication with controllers via wireless or wired protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional actuators rely on centralized power centers for operation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when power is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power system into distributed components by placing transformers, batteries, or other power sources directly within each actuator housing. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate independently without relying on a centralized power center, thereby improving reliability during power disruptions while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating on-board power sources (transformers, batteries) that enable it to operate autonomously without external power center dependency. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation during power disruptions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Reliability
If actuators include non-electronic indication means (handle), then reliability is improved during power disruption, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic indication system with a mechanical handle that provides non-electronic valve position indication. The handle is mechanically coupled to the valve and visible externally, allowing users to determine valve position without electrical power. This combination approach improves reliability during power disruptions while managing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical manual override capability, serves as a non-electronic position indicator, and can be used for troubleshooting. This multi-functionality improves reliability during power disruptions while justifying the added complexity through versatile utility
3Ease of operation
If actuators include manual override capability, then ease of operation is improved during power disruption, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical handle is pre-configured to directly couple with the valve mechanism, allowing immediate manual override without requiring additional components or complex procedures. This preliminary preparation of the mechanical linkage enables simple manual operation during power disruptions while minimizing the complexity increase
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-position valve actuators principally for water-circulation systems of pools and spas are detailed. At least some actuators may indicate position of an associated valve in a non-electronic manner, as by using a handle visible externally of the actuator and directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the valve so as to move therewith. Hence, even if power to an actuator is disrupted, positioning of the valve may be determined by viewing the handle.