Compact Water Softener Valve Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water softeners have a complex water path design that results in a larger overall volume, leading to increased space requirements due to the intricate arrangement of inlet and outlet passages in the water softener valve.
Innovation Solution
The water softener design optimizes the layout by aligning the water inlet and outlet passages at the same end of the valve body, extending them in a uniform orientation, allowing for a more compact structure and reduced size by eliminating the need for external piping and improving internal duct arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water inlet and outlet passages are arranged at different end surfaces of the valve body with different orientations, then the water flow path is established, but the overall size of the water softener valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of water passages from a three-dimensional complex routing (inlet at one end, outlet at another end with radial protrusion) to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where both inlet and outlet passages extend in the same axial direction and are positioned at opposite sides of the valve chamber. This dimensional simplification reduces the height and width requirements of the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water inlet and outlet passages into the same end surface of the valve body, where both passages define their respective ports at the same end along the axial direction. This consolidation of passage endpoints reduces the overall envelope size compared to having passages terminate at different end surfaces.
2Reliability
If the water inlet and outlet passages are arranged at different end surfaces of the valve body, then the water flow path is established, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the pipe arrangement by changing from a complex three-dimensional routing (requiring vertical and radial connections) to a simpler two-dimensional arrangement where all passages extend axially in the same direction. This reduces the number of directional changes and connection points required in the internal piping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the water inlet and outlet passages at opposite sides of the valve chamber, creating a symmetric layout that simplifies the internal flow path geometry. This asymmetric positioning relative to the valve core allows for more straightforward passage routing without requiring complex angular transitions.
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 design enables a more compact and efficient water softener valve, reducing the overall size of the unit while maintaining effective water flow and treatment functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a valve core assembly movable relative to the valve body, the valve core assembly including a valve core
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a water softener that includes a water softener valve and an ion exchange tank. The water softener valve includes a valve body and valve core assembly. The valve body includes a valve chamber, and a water inlet passage and a water outlet passage in communication with the valve chamber. The valve chamber, the water inlet passage, and the water outlet passage all extend in a first orientation, and the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage are both located at a periphery of the valve chamber and are disposed on opposite sides of the valve chamber in a second orientation. The water inlet passage and the water outlet passage respectively define a water inlet and a water outlet at a same end of the valve body along the first orientation. The second orientation and the first orientation are perpendicular to each other.