Integrated Water Control Fixture for Hot Water Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home and industrial water distribution systems often face issues with hot water availability at fixtures located far from the water heater or in poorly insulated systems, leading to wasted water and time due to the cooling of hot water in pipes, and existing bypass valves are inefficient and require additional connections, which can cause leaks and are not adaptable to various recirculation systems.
Innovation Solution
A water control fixture with a housing and flow control unit that allows selective fluid communication between hot water, cold water, and auxiliary ports, enabling recirculation and temperature control, using a single pump for pressure boost and a timer or sensor to optimize pump operation based on demand, reducing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary reheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a bypass valve is installed to recirculate hot water, then hot water availability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase due to additional connections
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary water control valve and integrates a bypass valve with recirculation capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bypass valve installations and additional connections, while still providing hot water recirculation to remote fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the bypass valve functionality directly into the flow control unit housing. The bypass passage is integrated within the same valve body, allowing hot water recirculation without requiring separate bypass valve installations or additional external connections to the plumbing system.
2Temperature
If bypass valve is used for hot water recirculation, then hot water availability is improved, but reliability decreases due to additional leak points
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is integrated within the flow control unit housing, creating a single unified component. This eliminates multiple external connections and potential leak points that would arise from installing separate bypass valves, while maintaining the hot water recirculation function.
3Temperature
If pump operates continuously to maintain hot water circulation, then hot water availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when hot water is demanded at remote fixtures. This is achieved through flow sensors or timers that detect water flow or elapsed time, triggering the pump to recirculate hot water only when necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining hot water availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow sensors or timers that provide feedback about water usage patterns. When flow is detected or a time threshold is reached, the pump is activated to recirculate hot water. This feedback mechanism ensures the pump operates only when needed, optimizing energy efficiency.
4Temperature
If hot water valve is left open to flush cold water, then hot water availability is improved, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve with recirculation capability performs the preliminary action of flushing cold water from the hot water lines before the user needs hot water. By periodically recirculating hot water through the bypass passage, the system pre-flushes the lines, eliminating the need for users to waste water by leaving the hot water valve open.
Data Source
AI summary
A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a cold water port, a fixture outlet port, and an auxiliary port, wherein water is dispensed from the housing via the fixture outlet port. A flow control unit is configured to be selectively positioned in fluid communication with different combinations of the plurality of ports, wherein the flow control unit has a main passage in fluid communication with the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit controls the flow of water from the hot water inlet port and the cold water port to the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit has an auxiliary passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port to perform an auxiliary function.