TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to fluid control systems. Particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid control system for use with an air-cooling device.

BACKGROUND

[2] Generally, the fluid control systems in fluid flow systems are provided for delivering, regulating, and directional control of fluid flow therein. Fluid control systems, particularly suitable for use in water and air supply in cooling applications are required to ensure the optimum flow of fluid for the proper functioning of the same.

[3] For example, in existing cooling units, such as evaporative coolers, water is circulated through evaporative pads of the cooling unit. By means of adiabatic heat exchange between incoming air and the water on the evaporative pads, the air passes heat to water thereby cooling itself down to lower temperature and converting water to vapors. The cooled air is thrown out of the cooling unit to provide cooling effect outside the cooling unit. The loss of water, by way of conversion into vapors, results in reduction in the volume of water within the cooling unit over time and same time increase in moisture content. Thus, conventional cooling devices apart from adequately cooling the space enhance the moisture levels of the air. Especially, in coastal places the cooling devices would add moisture to the already moisture rich air. Such high humid environment helps to grow microbes and bacteria inside the cooling devices.

[4] Further, such microbes can be grown inside the fluid control systems provided in the cooling device. The growth of microbes and bacteria may block the flow of fluid in the cooling device, every point instead of drainage and supply. The blockage may result in failure of fluid control system along with electrical/electronic devices associated with the fluid control system such as pumps etc.

[5] Furthermore, the microorganisms or microbes produce unpleasant odours, cause discoloration of the surfaces, create biofouling or produce mildew and cause various health problems. Hence, it is important to ensure that growth of microbes and bacteria is to be minimized. [6] It is known in the art that the fluid control systems can control the temperature and moisture through the cooling devices by regulating the fluid flow. Therefore, the fluid control systems also can keep in check the growth of microbes and bacteria inside the cooling devices by controlling the moisture content.

[7] The prior art discloses a fluid control system for regulating the fluid flow inside the cooling device. Said system controls the moisture content and fluid flow to avoid the blockage. However, said system is prone to many problems such as leakage of fluid from drainage, complicated design, and short life. Also, the said system has inherent problem of stoppage of fluid flow during diversion of fluid. This stoppage of fluid flow results in increase of pressure in the system. Such accumulated pressure may result in failure of fluid control system and associated devices such as pump etc. over a period. Further, the assembly of said system requires very skilled labour due to complexity of their design.

[8] Therefore, there is need for a fluid control system which can overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[9] In order to overcome the above mentioned problems, the present invention in a preferred embodiment provides a system for fluid control. The system comprising a housing, a plunger slidingly disposed in the housing, at least one opening defined at a predetermined location on the plunger, a lead screw operatively coupled with the plunger and the lead screw rotates to displace the plunger longitudinally to correspond the opening with at least one fluid outlet defined on the housing.

[10] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the housing is a housing assembly comprising a top housing threadedly fitted with a bottom housing, wherein the bottom housing comprises a fluid inlet.

[11] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing comprising the at least one fluid outlet defined at a predetermined location. [12] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw is connected to a knob, wherein the knob is rotatably mounted on a stem of the lead screw projecting out of the housing.

[13] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plunger longitudinally displaces to allow a fluid entering through the fluid inlet to flow through the at least one fluid outlet for maintaining uniform pressure on the fluid supply device.

[14] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the opening corresponds with the at least one fluid outlet in a way an opening area of the at least one fluid outlet is equivalent to that of one fluid outlet during rotational movement of the lead screw.

[15] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw is screwably coupled with the plunger.

[16] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plunger slides axially within the housing for a predetermined distance upon corresponding rotational movement of the lead screw.

[17] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions for selecting an operating mode(s) for fluid control.

[18] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control system is a four-way valve.

[19] As per one more embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control system is a six-way valve.

[20] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system has at least one gasket to avoid the leakage.

[21] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing and the plunger have a polygon shaped cross section, wherein the plunger is coaxially inside the top housing to form a fit. [22] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fit comprises a projection defined along a length of the plunger at an outer surface of the plunger corresponding with a depression defined at an inner surface of the top housing to coaxially align the plunger inside the top housing.

[23] As per one more embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control system enables the operative mode(s) of fluid control.

[24] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the operative mode(s) in an air- cooling device is selected from the group of humidity control, cleaning of the air-cooling device, draining out the stored fluid from the air-cooling device and allowing supply of fluid to at least one fluid outlet for effective cooling.

[25] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is selected from water.

[26] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is a combination of water and a cleaning agent.

[27] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is in gaseous state.

[28] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[29] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some implementations of the system(s), in accordance with the present subject matter, are described by way of examples, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: [30] Fig. 1 illustrates perspective view of a fluid control system, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[31] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up the fluid control system, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[32] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[33] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid control system, as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[34] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up the fluid control system, as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[35] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system, as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[36] Fig. 7(a) and 7(b) illustrates top views of the fluid control system, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[37] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the fluid control system in an implementation, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[38] Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system in a first position with a knob positioned on a cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[39] Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system in a second position with the knob positioned on the cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[40] Fig. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system in a third position with the knob positioned on the cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[41] Fig. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system in a fourth position with the knob positioned on the cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention. [42] Fig. 13 illustrates a sectional view of the fluid control system in a fifth position with the knob positioned on the cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[43] Fig. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an air-cooling device.

[44] Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an air-cooling device with the implementation of the fluid control system as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[45] Fig. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the air-cooling device with an implementation of the fluid control system as per an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[46] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[47] Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it maybe observed that the novelty and inventive step are in accordance with a fluid control system for fluid control devices. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.

[48] Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[49] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or apparatus or device.

[50] The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides a system for fluid control. The said system comprises of a housing, a plunger slidingly disposed in the housing, at least one opening defined at a predetermined location on the plunger, a lead screw operatively coupled with the plunger, and the lead screw rotates to displace the plunger longitudinally to correspond the opening with at least one fluid outlet defined on the housing. The housing is a housing assembly comprising a top housing threadedly fitted with a bottom housing. The top housing is threadedly fitted with the bottom housing. The bottom housing comprises a fluid inlet. The top housing comprising the at least one fluid outlet defined at a predetermined location. The lead screw is operatively coupled with the plunger to longitudinally displace the plunger to allow a fluid entering through the fluid inlet into the housing. The top housing and the plunger have a polygon shaped cross section, wherein the plunger is coaxially inside the top housing to form a fit. The fit comprises a projection defined along a length of the plunger at an outer surface of the plunger corresponding with a depression defined at an inner surface of the top housing to coaxially align the plunger inside the top housing. The plunger slides axially within the housing for a predetermined distance upon corresponding rotational movement of the lead screw. The lead screw is connected to a knob, wherein the knob is rotatably mounted on a stem of the lead screw projecting out of the housing. The plunger longitudinally displaces to allow a fluid entering through the fluid inlet to flow through the at least one fluid outlet for maintaining uniform pressure on the fluid supply device. The opening corresponds with the at least one fluid outlet in a way an opening area of the at least one fluid outlet is equivalent to that of one fluid outlet during rotational movement of the lead screw. The knob is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions for selecting an operating mode(s) for fluid control. The knob is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions for selecting an operating mode(s) for fluid control. The fluid control system enables the operative mode(s) of fluid control in an air-cooling device which can be selected from the group of humidity control, cleaning of the air-cooling device, draining out the stored fluid from the air-cooling device and allowing supply of fluid to at least one fluid outlet for effective cooling. The system has at least one gasket to avoid the leakage. [51] The subject matter is now described regarding the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like features/elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention.

[52] Referring to figures 1 to 3, an exemplary fluid control system (100) according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The fluid control system comprising a housing (110), a plunger (120) slidingly disposed in the housing (110), and a lead screw (130) operatively coupled with the plunger. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control system (100) comprising a plurality of gaskets disposed in the housing (110).

[53] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (110) is a housing assembly comprising a top housing (112) and a bottom housing (114). In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing (110) is cylindrical or rectangular or oval. The top housing (122) is threadedly fitted with the bottom housing (114). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (122) is snap fitted with the bottom housing (114). The top housing (112) comprising at least one fluid outlet (116) defined at a predetermined location on the top housing (112) to supply the fluid in accordance with requirement and application. The bottom housing (114) comprising a fluid inlet (115). The fluid inlet (115) is in a fluid communication with a fluid supply device such as pump (not shown) for allowing fluid to enter the housing (110). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a gasket (142) is sandwiched between the top housing (112) and the bottom housing (114) to prevent any leakage of fluid from connection of the top housing (112) and the bottom housing (114). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (112) comprising at least one mounting provision (113) for removably attaching the fluid control system (100) using at-least one fastener member.

[54] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw (130) is operatively coupled with the plunger (120) to longitudinally displace the plunger (120) to allow a fluid entering through the fluid inlet (115) into the housing (110). The lead screw (130) comprising a stem (132) projecting out of the housing (110). In an embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw (130) is screwably coupled with the plunger (120). The plunger (120) slides axially within the housing (110) for a predetermined distance upon corresponding rotational movement of the lead screw (130). In another embodiment of the present invention, a gasket (144) is disposed on the plunger (120) to prevent leakage from connection between the top housing (112) and the plunger (120).

[55] The plunger (120) comprising at least one opening (122) defined at a predetermined location on the plunger (120). In an embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw (130) is operatively coupled with the plunger (120) to displace the plunger (120) longitudinally to correspond the opening (122) with at least one fluid outlet (116) defined on the top housing (112). The plunger (120) longitudinally displaces to allow a fluid entering through the fluid inlet (115) to flow through the at least one fluid outlet (116) for maintaining uniform pressure on a fluid supply device (not shown). The opening (122) corresponds with the at least one fluid outlet (116) in a way that an opening area of the at least one fluid outlet (116) is equivalent to that of one fluid outlet (116) during rotational movement of the lead screw (130) thereby the opening area of the outlets remain constant during rotational movement of the lead screw (130). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (112) comprising three outlets (116) defined at predetermined locations. The three outlets are designated for different functions and selectively allow the flow of fluid from at least one outlet(s) based on the required function and application, thereby constitute a four-way valve.

[56] Referring to figures 4 to 6, the top housing comprising five outlets defined at predetermined locations on the top housing (112). The five outlets are designated for different functions and selectively allow the flow of fluid from at least one outlet(s) based on the required function and application, thereby constitute a six-way valve (200).

[57] Referring to figure 7(a) & (b), in an embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (112) and the plunger (120) have a polygon shaped cross section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (112) and the plunger (120) have a hexagon shaped cross section. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top housing (112) and the plunger (120) have an octagon shaped cross section. The plunger (120) is placed coaxially inside the top housing (112) to form a fit. The fit comprising a projection (124) defined along a length of the plunger (120) at an outer surface of the plunger (120) corresponding with a depression (118) defined at an inner surface of the top housing (112) to coaxially align the plunger (120) inside the top housing (112).

[58] Referring to figure 8, in an implementation of the present invention, the lead screw (130) which is operatively coupled with the plunger (120) is connected to a knob (210). The knob (210) is rotatably mounted on the stem (132) of the lead screw (130) projecting out of the housing (110). In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figures 9 to 13, the knob (210) is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions for selecting an operating mode(s) for fluid control. The positions of the knob (210) are defined to perform a particular function in accordance with the requirement and application. Upon rotation of the knob, the plunger (120) is configured to slide between the plurality of positions to selectively allow the flow of fluid from at least one outlet (116) formed on the top housing (112) to enable the required operating mode (s) for fluid control in the air-cooling device. In an embodiment of the present invention, a gasket (146) is disposed on the lead screw (130) to prevent leakage from the knob (210).

[59] In an implementation of the present invention, as shown in figures 14 to 16, the fluid control system (100) can be implemented within an air-cooling device (300). The air-cooling device (300) comprising a cooler body comprising a top wall (310) , a bottom wall (330), a plurality of side walls (350) and a front wall (320) defining a hollow box structure, a body panel (360) mounted on the front wall, a tank (340) located at the bottom of the hollow box structure of the air-cooling device (300) for storing a fluid, a fluid supply device (not shown) disposed in the tank (340) to circulate the fluid in the air-cooling device (300), and a knob (210) mounted on a body panel (360) of the air-cooling device (300). The fluid control system (100) may be removably attached with the knob (210) provided on the body panel (360) with help of the mounting provision for being implemented within an air-cooling device (300). The air-cooling device further comprising piping means (380) to distribute the fluid inside the air-cooling device (300). In an embodiment of the present invention, the piping means comprising a plurality of distribution pipes (382, 384, 386, 388). The fluid control system (100) is in a fluid communication with a fluid supply device such as pump (not shown) through a distribution pipe (384) for allowing fluid to enter inside the housing (110) of the fluid control system (100). [60] The knob (210) is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions for selecting an operating mode (s) for fluid control in the air-cooling device (300). The positions of the knob (210) are defined to enable a particular operating mode. The fluid control system (100) may enable the operative mode(s) of fluid control in the air-cooling device (300). The operative mode(s) in an air-cooling device (300) is selected from the group of humidity control, cleaning of the air-cooling device (300), draining out the stored fluid from the air-cooling device (300) and allowing supply of fluid to at least one fluid outlet for effective cooling. In an embodiment of the present invention, the knob (210) is manually operated to select the operative mode. In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob (210) is operated with help of an electronic controller to select the operative mode.

[61] The air-cooling device (300) further comprising a plurality of evaporative pads (370) mounted on the plurality of side walls. The at least one outlet (116) of the top housing is in fluid communication with the plurality of evaporative pads (370). In an embodiment of the invention, the fluid is water. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid is water and a cleaning agent. In yet embodiment of the invention, the fluid is in gaseous state.

[62] In one implementation, the fluid control system (100) may regulate the supply of water towards evaporative pads (370) to regulate the moisture content and effective cooling. In another implementation, the fluid control system (100) may direct a solution of cleaning agent and water towards evaporative pads (370) and tank (340) for cleaning the air-cooling device (300).

[63] In the illustrated implementation, as shown in figure 9, in first position, the knob (210) is rotated to select the operative mode designated for cooling function. Upon rotation of the knob, the lead screw (130) longitudinally slides the plunger (120) thereby allowing overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger (120) with at the fluid outlet (116a) defined on the top housing (112) for cooling function to allow flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (115) towards the outlet (116a) defined for cooling function. Upon overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger (120) with at the fluid outlet (116a) defined on the top housing (112) for cooling function, the fluid control system (100) directs the incoming fluid from the fluid supply device through fluid inlet (115) to towards a distribution pipe (382) attached with the outlet (116a) defined for cooling function. The distribution pipe (382) may circulate the incoming fluid over the evaporative pads (370) of the air-cooling device. The circulated fluid upon contacting with incoming air converts to vapours since the incoming air passes heat to the fluid. The vapours cool the air inside the air-cooling device unit and the cooled air is thrown out of the air-cooling device (300). At the first position, the fluid control system ensures that there is no flow of fluid towards outlets (116b, 116c) defined for cleaning and draining function.

[64] In the illustrated implementation, at the second position, as shown in figure 10, the knob (210) is further rotated to select the operative mode designated for cleaning function. While the knob (210) is rotated further, the lead screw (130) longitudinally slides the plunger (120) to allow flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (115) towards the outlet (116b) defined for cleaning function. The outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) are defined in such a way that operational pressure and opening area of the outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) remain constant during rotational movement of the knob (210), which translates into longitudinal movement of the plunger (120). During the movement of the plunger (210), upon further sliding, the opening area of outlet (116a) defined for cooling function gradually decreases while the opening area of outlet (116b) defined for cleaning function increases in similar proportion thereby ensuring that operational pressure and opening area of the outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) remain constant during rotational movement of the knob. At the second position, the fluid control system ensures that there is no flow of fluid towards outlet (116c) defined for draining function.

[65] In the illustrated implementation, as shown in figure 11, in third position, the knob (210) is rotated to select the operative mode designated for cleaning function. Upon rotation of the knob, the lead screw (130) longitudinally slides the plunger (120) thereby allowing overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger with at the fluid outlet (116b) defined on the top housing (112) for cleaning function to allow flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (115) towards the outlet (116b) defined for cleaning function. Upon overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger (120) with at the fluid outlet (116b) defined on the top housing (112) for cleaning function, the fluid control system (100) directs the incoming fluid from the fluid supply device through fluid inlet (115) to towards a distribution pipe (386) attached with the outlet (116a) defined for cleaning function. The distribution pipe (386) may circulate the incoming fluid over the tank (340) of the air-cooling device. The circulated fluid cleans the tank (340). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the distribution pipe (386) may circulate the incoming fluid over the tank (340) and the evaporative pads (370) of the air-cooling device. The circulated fluid cleans the tank (340) and the evaporative pads (370). At the third position, the fluid control system (100) ensures that there is no flow of fluid towards outlets (116a, 116c) defined for cooling and draining function.

[66] Thereafter, as shown in figure 12, in fourth position, the knob (210) is further rotated to select the operative mode designated for draining function. While the knob is rotated further, the lead screw (130) longitudinally slides the plunger (120) to allow flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (115) towards the outlet (116c) defined for draining function. As the outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) are defined in such a way that operational pressure and opening area of the outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) remain constant during rotational movement of the knob (210), which translates into longitudinal movement of the plunger (120). During the movement of the plunger (120), upon further sliding, the opening area of outlet (116b) defined for cleaning function gradually decreases while the opening area of outlet (116c) defined for draining function increases in similar proportion thereby ensuring that operational pressure and opening area of the outlets (116a, 116b, 116c) remain constant during rotational movement of the knob (210). At the fourth position, the fluid control system ensures that there is no flow of fluid towards outlet (116a) defined for cooling function.

[67] Thereafter, as shown in figure 13, in fifth position, when the knob (210) is rotated to select the operative mode designated for draining function. Upon rotation of the knob, the lead screw (130) longitudinally slides the plunger (120) thereby allowing overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger with at the fluid outlet (116c) defined on the top housing (112) for draining function to allow flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (115) towards the outlet (116c) defined for draining function. Upon overlapping of the opening (122) provided on the plunger (120) with at the fluid outlet (116c) defined on the top housing (112) for drainage function, the fluid control system (100) directs the incoming fluid from the fluid supply device through fluid inlet (115) to towards a distribution pipe (388) attached with the outlet (116c) defined for drainage function. The distribution pipe (388) is in fluid communication with a drain orifice provide on base of the tank (340). The drain orifice acts as a passage, through which the stored fluid is drained outside. At the fifth position, the fluid control system ensures that there is no flow of fluid towards outlets (116a, 116b) defined for cleaning and cooling function.

[68] Accordingly, the fluid control system as disclosed in the present disclosure provides an effective system which is an easy to assemble leakage proof design and can ensure maintaining uniform pressure on the fluid supply device thereby increasing the life of fluid supply device.

[69] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

[70] The embodiments described herein are referred in the specification as “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “another embodiment,” etc. These references indicate that the embodiment(s) described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment does not necessarily include every described feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, such feature, structure, or characteristic in may also be used in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[71] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.