Venturi Inlet Valve Assembly for Low-Force Flush Volume Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inlet valves in fluidic systems, such as toilet flush systems, require significant force to operate and occupy space, leading to inefficiencies in fluid transfer and maintenance, while also lacking precise control over flush volume and being noisy.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system incorporating a venturi inlet valve, actuator, and adjustable control valves, which allows for precise control of flush volume through a push-button activation mechanism, reducing the need for mechanical force and enabling easy installation and maintenance, with features like a moveable float and bellows to manage fluid flow and pressure.
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 device space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float is segmented into multiple sections with different densities, allowing each segment to contribute differently to the overall buoyancy and activation force. This segmentation enables the float to achieve sufficient activation force while reducing the overall size of the float component.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical lever arm system is replaced with a spring-loaded mechanism that provides the necessary activation force. This substitution eliminates the need for a long lever arm and large float, significantly reducing the space required in the reservoir while maintaining adequate activation force.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional inlet valves are used, then fluid flow control is provided, but noise generation increases and activation force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical lever arm system is replaced with a spring-loaded piston mechanism that operates more quietly. The spring provides gradual force application, reducing water hammer effects and noise generation, while the compact design requires less activation force compared to traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates adjustable parameters including spring tension and piston size, allowing optimization of both noise levels and activation force requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves quiet operation with reduced activation force.
3Measurement precision
If adjustable flush volume control is implemented, then fluid transfer precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic modification of flush volume without requiring complex control mechanisms. The adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustments to spring tension and float position, maintaining device simplicity while enabling precise flush volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
Flush volume precision is achieved by allowing adjustment of key parameters such as spring tension, float size, and venturi dimensions. These parameter changes enable precise control over flush volume while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that is easy to manufacture and maintain.
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 achieves high flow rates at low pressures, reduces activation force requirements, and allows for adjustable flush volumes, enhancing efficiency, ease of use, and ADA compliance, while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi inlet valve, bellows and actuator are provided in a fluid control system. Fluid can flow from a supply line through the venturi inlet valve
Implementation Method 2
A venturi inlet valve, bellows and actuator are provided in a fluid control system
Data Source
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.