Water Temperature Control via Valve Pulsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrotherapy systems lack precision in controlling water temperature at treatment outlets due to heat capacity issues and slow response times of temperature sensors, leading to uncertainty in reaching desired temperatures and potential shock effects for users.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment system with a controller that uses electronically operated valves to pulse water flow from two feed lines with different temperatures, allowing for pulse width modulation to set intermediate temperatures, thereby accounting for latency and providing smooth transitions between temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single temperature sensor and continuous valve control are used, then temperature control is simplified, but the response time is too slow to track actual temperature changes accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using two temperature sensors that are activated alternately in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Each sensor measures temperature during its active phase, and the controller switches between sensors periodically. This periodic measurement approach reduces the response time lag because the system can detect temperature changes more frequently without requiring continuous sensor operation, thereby improving the tracking accuracy of actual temperature changes while maintaining system simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If discrete valves with full open/closed positions are used, then valve complexity is reduced, but intermediate temperature control precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve positions variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the opening positions of multiple discrete valves in different ratios to achieve intermediate temperature control. Instead of using a single complex proportional valve, the system uses multiple simple discrete valves whose opening degrees are dynamically varied in combination, thereby achieving precise intermediate temperature control while keeping individual valve structures simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the temperature control function across multiple discrete valves rather than using a single valve. Each valve handles a portion of the water flow, and by controlling the opening ratios of these segmented valve components, the system achieves precise intermediate temperature control. This segmentation allows the use of simple discrete valve structures while collectively providing fine-grained temperature adjustment capability.
3Productivity
If temperature changes are made rapidly, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but shock effects on users occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller pre-calculate and plan temperature transition sequences before actual temperature changes occur. The controller determines optimal intermediate temperature steps and timing in advance, allowing the system to prepare for smooth transitions. This preliminary planning enables the system to achieve effective temperature changes while avoiding sudden shocks by progressively adjusting temperatures through predetermined intermediate stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing intermediate temperature steps that cushion the transition between different temperature states. Instead of direct rapid temperature changes, the controller implements gradual temperature adjustments through multiple intermediate levels, which cushion the thermal shock to the user. This cushioning approach maintains treatment effectiveness by achieving the desired temperature difference while protecting the user from harmful shock effects during the transition.
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 ensures comfortable and safe hydrotherapy by allowing precise control of water temperature changes, avoiding shock effects and ensuring consistent temperature delivery, making the treatment more effective and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The electronically operated valve is a solenoid valve, in particular a bi-stable solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
a mixing valve (22) having a mixing valve outlet (22a)
Implementation Method 3
a diverter (24) having a diverter outlet (24a)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A water treatment system (10) comprising a sanitary fitting (12) comprising a treatment outlet (20), a first water feed line (17) including an electronically operated first discrete valve (30) and providing water with a first water temperature (23) to the treatment outlet (20), a second water feed line (26) including an electronically operated second discrete valve (32) and providing water with a second water temperature (25) to the same treatment outlet (20), and a controller (14) coupled to the first and second discrete valve (30, 32) of the sanitary fitting (12). The controller (14) is configured to change the water temperature (RWT) at the treatment outlet (20) to at least one intermediate temperature in between the first and the second water temperature (23, 25) by pulsing the first discrete valve (30) and/or the second discrete valve (32).