Variable Regeneration Cycle Control for Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid treatment systems lack the ability to adjust regeneration cycles based on actual water usage, leading to inefficient resource usage and inability to operate a fluid release cycle independently of backwashing, particularly in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A programmable water treatment device with a controller that adjusts regeneration cycle durations and sequences based on measured water usage, allowing for shorter or longer cycles as needed, and incorporates a fluid release cycle that can be timed or triggered by minimal water use periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If regeneration cycles are programmed with fixed durations, then the system operation is simple, but water usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic regeneration cycle adjustment where the controller modifies backwash and rinse cycle durations based on real-time water usage measurements. The system transitions from fixed-time cycles to variable-time cycles that adapt to actual water consumption patterns, thereby reducing water waste during regeneration while maintaining system operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a water usage measurement mechanism that provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust regeneration cycle parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes water efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid release cycle is coupled with backwashing, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to operate independently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid release function from the backwashing operation by introducing a separate, independently controllable fluid release cycle. This allows the fluid release cycle to operate on its own schedule based on minimal water use periods, while the backwashing cycle operates based on water usage measurements. The segmentation enables both cycles to function independently without requiring complex structural changes to the underlying system architecture.
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 approach minimizes water waste by adjusting regeneration times and sequences according to actual water consumption, optimizing resource usage and allowing for independent fluid release cycles, particularly beneficial in residential systems.
Implementation Method 1
Regeneration fluids are passed through the bed of depleted ion exchange media during which ions are exchanged between the regenerate solution and the depleted media
Implementation Method 2
regeneration fluids are passed through filter media to precipitate the contaminants or to filter out turbidity
Implementation Method 3
regeneration fluids are passed through filter media to precipitate the contaminants or to filter out turbidity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fluid treatment that provides variable or alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. The duration of all stages of the regeneration cycle can be adjusted depending upon the amount of fluid treated so that regenerant resources such as water are not underutilized and waste is not discharged unnecessarily into the environment. Additionally or alternatively, a regeneration sequence may include a fluid release sequence in which a fluid is released from a water treatment tank by successive linear movement of a piston in a valve assembly.