Valve assemblies for leak prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for detecting and mitigating water leaks in plumbing systems rely on power, which can lead to inoperability during power outages and cause pressure drops due to obstructed flow paths, necessitating a solution that is both power-independent and minimizes pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
A non-powered valve assembly comprising a valve, a trigger, and an actuating system where the trigger transitions from a dry to a hydrated state upon interacting with leaking water, activating the actuating system to close the valve, thereby preventing further water flow without requiring electrical power or causing significant pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powered valve with sensors and actuators is used to detect and stop water leaks, then the ability to detect and respond to leaks is improved, but the system becomes dependent on power and may fail during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors and actuators with a purely mechanical detection and response system. The trigger mechanism uses liquid interaction (absorption or pressure) to mechanically activate the valve closure, eliminating dependence on electrical power while maintaining leak detection and response capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly becomes self-activating by using the leaked liquid itself to trigger the closure mechanism. The trigger element automatically responds to the presence of liquid through absorption or pressure effects, causing the valve to close without external power or control systems
2Speed
If existing valve assemblies are used to close quickly, then the response time to stop leaks is improved, but the valve obstructs the flow path causing pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design segments the flow path obstruction from the closure mechanism. The valve disc closes quickly to stop leaks, but the body design maintains an unobstructed flow path around the closure elements, separating the rapid closure function from flow restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear closure paths to a multi-dimensional flow path design where liquid can flow around the valve disc through multiple routes, maintaining pressure while enabling quick closure through a different geometric configuration
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
Effectively detects and mitigates water leaks without power, minimizing water damage and pressure drops by using mechanical communication between the trigger, actuating system, and valve, ensuring continuous operation during power outages and maintaining unobstructed flow paths in the open position.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger can be positioned such that the trigger can interact with liquid from a leak. When the trigger interacts with liquid from the leak, the trigger can transition from a dry state to a hydrated state.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a non-powered valve assembly having a valve, an actuating system, and a trigger. The trigger can be in mechanical communication with the actuating system and the actuating system can be in mechanical communication with the valve. The trigger can be positioned such that the trigger can interact with liquid resulting from a leak in a plumbing assembly. Upon interaction with liquid, the trigger can dissolve or expand, causing the actuating system to be activated and the valve to transition from the open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the valve can restrict the passage of liquid through the plumbing assembly such that the leak can be mitigated.