Venturi Flush Valve Assembly for Low-Force Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid control systems, such as toilet tank flush systems, face challenges in achieving precise and efficient fluid transfer with low activation force requirements and minimal space occupation, while also needing to be easy to install and maintain, and compliant with ADA standards or low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system incorporating a venturi inlet valve, adjustable control valves, and a moveable float within a variably-sized chamber, utilizing bellows to create a partial vacuum for fluid flow control, allowing for adjustable flush volumes and reduced mechanical force requirements, with modular design for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional piston and ballcock design with large float and long lever arm is used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but activation force requirement increases and space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical float-and-lever system with a pneumatic system using a diaphragm and vacuum chamber. The diaphragm responds to pressure differential (vacuum vs atmospheric pressure) to actuate the inlet valve, eliminating the need for large mechanical components and reducing both activation force and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by creating a vacuum within a chamber that acts on a diaphragm. The pressure differential generated by the vacuum mechanism provides the actuation force for the inlet valve, replacing mechanical leverage with pneumatic pressure control.
2Productivity
If traditional piston valve design is used, then high flow rate at low pressure is achieved, but activation force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical piston valve with a diaphragm-based pneumatic valve. The diaphragm is actuated by vacuum pressure rather than mechanical force, enabling high flow rates through a smaller, more efficient actuation mechanism that requires minimal activation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the actuation parameter from mechanical force to pressure differential (vacuum pressure). This parameter change allows the valve to achieve high flow rates with minimal activation force, as the pressure differential naturally provides sufficient force to actuate the valve without requiring external mechanical input.
3Measurement precision
If adjustable flush volume control is implemented, then precision and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the user to vary the vacuum chamber volume or vacuum level, which directly controls the diaphragm actuation pressure. This dynamic control enables precise adjustment of flush volume without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, maintaining system simplicity while achieving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-adjusting capabilities where the vacuum mechanism automatically regulates the pressure differential based on chamber volume, allowing the diaphragm to self-regulate valve actuation. This self-service特性 reduces the need for external control mechanisms while maintaining precision.
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 system provides high flow rates at low pressures, reduces mechanical force needs, and allows for precise control of flush volumes, enhancing efficiency and user accessibility while minimizing space and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least a partial vacuum created in the bellows by a fluid flow through the venturi inlet valve from a supply line
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments include a fluid control system with an outlet valve assembly, an inlet valve assembly including a venturi inlet valve, and an actuator coupled to the inlet valve assembly. In some embodiments, the actuator can enable a user to control a flush volume of fluid control system. Some embodiments include a moveable float positioned in a chamber of the outlet valve assembly, where the chamber includes a variably-sized upper portion with a volume that is based at least in part on a variable position of the moveable float in the chamber. Some embodiments include a adjustable control valves coupled to an outer surface of the outlet valve assembly and the inlet valve assembly. Some embodiments also include a bellows positioned in and coupled to the variably-sized upper portion. In some embodiments, the bellows are fluidly coupled to the venturi inlet valve and at least one of the control valves.