Water Control Valve with Dynamic Cycle Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water control valves in water softening systems lack flexibility in cycling sequences and are not easily configurable for up or down regeneration configurations, limiting their ability to efficiently respond to changing demands and operate effectively in various regeneration modes.
Innovation Solution
A water control valve with a housing enclosing five chambers and valves, along with a regeneration injection assembly, allowing for independent control of water flow through various cycles, including service, backwash, fast rinse, down regeneration, and up regeneration cycles, and enabling quick configuration for either up or down regeneration operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water control valve uses a fixed predetermined cycle sequence, then the valve structure can be simpler, but the system lacks flexibility to respond to changing demands and cannot operate in various regeneration modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cycle sequence changeable rather than fixed. The controller can dynamically switch between different regeneration modes (up-flow, down-flow, mixed-bed) and cycle sequences based on system needs. This is achieved through programmable control logic that adjusts valve operations in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to varying water quality requirements and operational conditions without requiring multiple dedicated valve assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a water control valve is designed for a specific regeneration configuration, then the valve design can be simplified, but it cannot be easily reconfigured for different regeneration modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single water control valve assembly that can perform multiple regeneration configurations (up-flow, down-flow, mixed-bed). The valve body incorporates multiple ports and internal passages that can be programmed to serve different flow paths. This multi-functional design allows one valve assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves, simplifying manufacturing while enabling flexible reconfiguration through controller programming rather than physical modification.
3Productivity
If a water control valve allows variable cycle sequences, then the system can respond better to changing demands, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through automated controller programming that manages the complex cycle sequences without requiring manual intervention. The controller contains pre-programmed logic for different regeneration modes and can automatically select and execute appropriate cycle sequences based on operational parameters. This automation handles the complexity internally, allowing the system to respond quickly to changing demands while keeping the user interface simple and the operational complexity low for the end user.
Data Source
AI summary
A water control valve designed to control the flow of water from a source to a treatment tank having a plurality of treatment media, thereby providing a supply of treated water, and also provides other cycle controls. For instance, the water control valve directs water to backwash the media of sediment for discharge to a drain, permits regeneration of the media by directing a regeneration agent through the media, directs water through the media in a fast rinse cycle, and directs water to a regeneration agent reservoir for the purpose of refilling the reservoir. The water control valve has six valves and five motors for controlling the valve positions. The valves are fluidly connected to six chambers providing a pathway for water flow between the valves, to a regeneration injection assembly, through a central passageway or a perimeter passageway, to the treatment tank.