Angle Valve Wrench Notch and Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Angle valves in plumbing fixtures are often difficult to access and operate, especially for users with limited mobility, due to their location and the requirement for significant torque to overcome sticking handles caused by thermal cycling and mineral buildup, necessitating a tool to facilitate quick and efficient rotation from a standing position.
Innovation Solution
A wrench with a cylindrical body, a notch for engaging the angle valve handle, and a gripping element to apply torque, allowing rotation from a standing position and providing options for increased torque application through a torque-enhancer hole and various gripping features like sandpaper or grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional angle valve handle is used, then the valve can be operated with simple hand rotation, but significant torque is required to overcome sticking caused by thermal cycling and mineral buildup, making it difficult for users with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wrench as an intermediary tool between the user and the valve handle. The wrench provides mechanical advantage through its length, allowing users to apply greater torque to overcome sticking caused by thermal cycling and mineral buildup without requiring excessive hand strength directly on the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the operation from direct hand rotation to using a lever arm in a different dimensional space. By attaching a wrench to the handle, the user can apply force at a greater distance from the rotation axis, utilizing the lever principle to reduce the effort required to rotate the valve.
2Productivity
If the angle valve is located in inaccessible positions such as underneath toilets or faucets, then the valve can be positioned close to fixtures for efficient water supply, but users cannot easily access and operate it from a standing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by providing a wrench with sufficient length to allow users to reach and operate valves located in hard-to-access positions. The extended reach enables operation from a standing position, transforming an inaccessible horizontal position into an accessible one through vertical leverage.
3Reliability
If the handle is designed for full rotation (360°), then the valve can be fully opened or closed, but the handle becomes stuck and difficult to rotate due to low frequency use, thermal cycling, and mineral buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the user's limited hand strength and the high torque required to overcome sticking. The mechanical advantage provided by the wrench's length allows full rotation to be achieved despite the handle being stuck due to low frequency use, thermal cycling, and mineral buildup.
4Productivity
If a quarter-turn handle is used, then the valve can be operated faster and simpler, but the handle shape is not user-friendly and requires a level of hand strength that could make operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the lever principle by extending the wrench beyond the handle, allowing users to apply force at a greater distance from the rotation axis. This dimensional extension provides mechanical advantage, reducing the hand strength required while maintaining the ability to perform quarter-turn operations quickly.
Data Source
AI summary
An angle valve wrench configured for use in rotating an angle valve, the angle valve wrench having a body with a first end and a second end, defining a length L1. The body also has an outside surface and a central axis that is parallel to the length L1 and that passes through the first and second ends. A notch is formed at the first end that corresponds to an angle valve handle. A gripping element is formed on the outside surface of the wrench near the second end. A user places the notch of the wrench over a conventional angle valve from a standing position and rotates the wrench about the central axis, causing the angle valve handle to rotate.