Integrated Valve Assembly With Flow Sensing for Precise Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid distribution systems, such as those for pool operations, face challenges with precise control and increased complexity due to limited capabilities of current valve actuators, requiring numerous valves and actuators that increase costs, space requirements, and operational complexity, with unaccounted flow rate losses and complex multi-component control systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design featuring a housing with a valve member and actuator configuration that includes a flow rate sensor, allowing for precise control of fluid flow rates and easy disassembly for maintenance, with a compact design that integrates flow regulation and monitoring components, enabling precise flow rate adjustments and reduced system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and actuators are used to control fluid flow in fluid distribution systems, then flow control capability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body that receives multiple inlet ports and provides multiple outlet ports. This merging approach maintains the ability to control multiple fluid streams while reducing the total number of separate valve components, actuators, and plumbing connections required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple fluid streams simultaneously through its multi-port configuration. A single valve member can divert fluid from multiple inlets to multiple outlets, allowing one component to perform the function of several traditional valves, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile flow control capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple valves and actuators are installed to provide precise flow control, then flow rate precision is improved, but installation cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single compact valve assembly, significantly reducing the space required for installation compared to using multiple separate valves and actuators. The common body design allows multiple flow control functions to coexist in one location, maintaining precise flow rate control while minimizing footprint in the fluid distribution system.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional valve configurations are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but head loss and flow rate accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates locally optimized flow paths within its body that are specifically designed to minimize turbulence and head loss at critical locations. The internal geometry of the common body and flow passages is configured to maintain smooth fluid flow while still providing effective valve control, thereby reducing energy losses without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a first housing that defines an inlet and a fluid output chamber. A second housing is engaged to the first housing and a cover is engaged to the second housing. A valve member is positioned within the first housing. An actuator is positioned between the second housing and the cover and is attached to the valve member through an engagement located within the first housing. A flow rate sensor, as a component of the valve assembly, may be positioned downstream of the inlet and the fluid output chamber.