Adjustable Flow Limiter for Mixing Faucets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing faucet flow limiters require multiple versions for different applications and do not effectively manage flow adjustments or account for pressure variations, making them cumbersome to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable flow limiter that can be set to three predefined maximum flow rates (e.g., 6, 9, and 12 liters per minute) using a rotatable actuator, integrated with a dome-shaped filter and O-ring mechanism to maintain constant flow despite pressure changes, allowing for universal application across various installations without needing multiple flow-regulating washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow limiters with different predetermined flows are used for different applications, then the flow can be adapted to the field of application, but the device complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow limiter is designed with an adjustable mechanism that allows a single device to provide multiple flow rates (6 l/min, 9 l/min, and 12 l/min) by rotating the actuator to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate flow limiters for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The flow limiter transitions from a static predetermined flow design to a dynamic adjustable design, where the actuator can be rotated to change the flow rate according to the specific application requirements, enabling adaptability without increasing device quantity
2Ease of operation
If an adjustable flow limiter with an externally accessible actuator is used, then the flow can be easily adjusted, but the flow limitation function is compromised as users can always reach the highest flow
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete positioned settings (6 l/min, 9 l/min, 12 l/min) rather than continuous adjustment, and the actuator is integrated into the device body rather than being externally accessible, allowing adjustment while maintaining flow limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is nested within the device body and is not externally accessible during normal operation, yet remains adjustable during installation or maintenance, combining ease of operation with maintained flow limitation through integrated design
3Ease of operation
If a protruding actuator is used for flow adjustment, then the flow can be set by pressing the actuator, but it becomes difficult to arrange an aerator or other means together with the flow limiter in a common casing
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated within the device body rather than protruding outward, allowing the flow limiter and aerator to be arranged together in a compact common casing without spatial interference, while maintaining adjustability during installation
4Adaptability or versatility
If different colored flow limiters are used for different flows, then the flow can be identified, but the ease of manufacture and inventory management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal flow limiter design with an adjustable actuator provides multiple flow rates, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple differently colored flow limiters, simplifying production while maintaining flow identification through position markings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A flow limiter (1) for setting a maximum flow of water at an outlet from a mixing faucet, wherein the flow limiter in the axial direction comprises a seat (3 a, 3 b) which along its periphery is provided with an annular wall (8a, 8b) and has flow channels (7) arranged inside and along said wall (8a, 8b), an actuator (30, 50) which is rotatably arranged on the seat (3a, 3b), a regulating device (20a, 20b) in the form of a body with a circumferential envelope surface (22, 43) facing the inside of said annular wall (8a, 8b), wherein the actuator (30, 50) comprises means (34a, 34b) for moving the regulating device (20a, 20b) in the axial direction, and wherein an annular cavity is formed between walls formed by the envelope surface (22, 43) of the regulating device and the wall (8a, 8b) of the seat, in which annular cavity an O-ring (24) is arranged, wherein one of the walls (43, 8a) of the annular cavity has open axially extending grooves (9, 44) with a cross-section area increasing in the direction of flow, whereby the O-ring (24) in its plane is adapted to slidably connect to said grooves (9, 44) and to adopt one of predetermined positions in the axial direction along said grooves (9, 44) upon rotation of the actuator (30, 50), and wherein said position corresponds to a maximum flow determined by a cross-section area for channels which is limited by the O-ring (24) and the walls of the grooves (9, 44) in the plane of the O-ring (24).