Multi-Path Water Valve Control for Flexible Flow Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling liquid flow are complex, especially when multiple flow paths and sequences are required, and they struggle with mixing fluids and adapting to different water use conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a control valve system with a movable piston and annular flow passages that can selectively direct and control liquid flow through multiple paths, including features like a piston rod, actuator bracket, and valve controller for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional valve arrangements are used to control liquid flow through multiple flow paths, then the basic flow control function is achieved, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple sealed chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with distinct flow paths. Each chamber handles specific fluid routing functions, allowing complex multi-path flow control to be achieved through modular segmentation rather than a single complex valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: flow direction control, fluid mixing, pressure regulation, and sequential process control are all achieved through the coordinated operation of the piston, diaphragm, and chamber system, eliminating the need for separate specialized valves for each function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves and control mechanisms are added to handle different process steps, then the flow sequence control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate valves are merged into a single integrated valve assembly. The piston and diaphragm work together within the same valve body to control sequential flow paths, reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining sophisticated process control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system uses dynamic elements (movable piston, flexible diaphragm) that can transition between different positions and states to control flow sequences. This dynamic operation allows a single valve structure to perform the function of multiple static valves, simplifying the overall control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate mixing mechanisms are added for fluid mixing, then the mixing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system uses intermediate chambers and passageways as mediators to bring different fluids together for mixing. Rather than adding dedicated mixing mechanisms, the fluid dynamics within the interconnected chambers naturally facilitate mixing through controlled flow interaction, eliminating the need for separate mixers.
Data Source
AI summary
A water delivery control system operates to selectively deliver water from a water source to water use devices. The system includes at least one controller that wirelessly communicates messages with a portable user device. The system includes a water control valve and a motor that is operative to selectively move at least one valve element of the valve. A water meter is operative to measure water flow that corresponds to flow through the valve. The controller is operable to cause the valve to enable or prevent flow through the valve responsive at least in part to water flow data. The controller is operative to determine a water use condition responsive to a water usage pattern, and to cause at least one message to be sent to the portable user device responsive to the determined water use condition.