Coaxial Mixing Valve Layout for Compact Flush-Mounted Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The division of the functional unit into a thermostat cartridge and a valve in flush-mounted sanitary fittings requires more effort during assembly and larger installation space, necessitating a more compact solution.

Innovation Solution

A valve design where the rotatable quantity regulating part and temperature regulating part are coaxially arranged within a common valve housing, forming a compact functional unit that integrates both functions, allowing for adjustable flow rate and temperature control of mixed water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the functional unit is divided into a thermostat cartridge and a valve, then temperature control and flow control functions are achieved, but assembly complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the thermostat cartridge and valve into a single integrated functional unit with a common valve housing. The quantity regulating part and temperature regulating part are arranged coaxially within the same housing, merging two previously separate components into one unified assembly that performs both flow control and temperature control functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve housing serves multiple functions: it houses both the quantity regulating mechanism and temperature regulating mechanism, provides a common mounting interface for the concealed installation unit, and enables coordinated control of water flow and temperature through a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the functional unit is divided into separate thermostat cartridge and valve, then independent control of temperature and flow is achieved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The quantity regulating part and temperature regulating part are nested coaxially within the common valve housing. The rotatable quantity regulating part and rotatable temperature control element are arranged one inside the other along the same axis, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall volume of the functional unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a distributed arrangement of separate components to a compact coaxial arrangement within a single housing. By organizing the quantity and temperature control mechanisms along a common axis in three-dimensional space, the design achieves compactness without sacrificing control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If separate thermostat cartridge and valve are used, then specialized components are achieved, but assembly effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent specializationVSAvoidassembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the thermostat cartridge and valve into a single manufactured unit with a common valve housing. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly operations required, as the quantity regulating part and temperature regulating part are pre-positioned and secured within the housing as one assembly rather than requiring separate installation of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces the assembly complexity and installation space requirements while enabling precise control of water temperature and flow rate, enhancing the compactness and functionality of flush-mounted sanitary fittings.

Implementation Method 1

By means of the thermostatic cartridge, in particular a cold liquid (hereinafter also referred to as cold water) and a warm liquid (hereinafter also referred to as hot water) can be mixed to form a tempered liquid (hereinafter also referred to as mixed water) with a desired (mixed water) temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a rotatable quantity regulating part (5) for adjusting a flow rate of a liquid through the valve (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow rate control through rotation:

Implementation Method 3

a rotatable temperature control element (7) for adjusting a temperature of the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature control through rotation:

Data Source

PatentEP3924652B1Valve for a flush-mounted body of a sanitary fitting with a quantity-regulating part and a temperature-regulating part

Publication Date: 2024.07.03 GROHE AG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (1) for a flush-mounted body of a sanitary fitting, at least having: - a valve housing (2) with a longitudinal axis (4) extending along an axial direction (3), - a rotatable quantity-regulating part (5) for adjusting the flow rate of a liquid flowing through the valve (1), - a valve button (6) for opening and closing the valve (1), and - a rotatable temperature-regulating part (7) for adjusting the temperature of the liquid, wherein at least the rotatable quantity-regulating part (4) and the temperature-regulating part (7) are coaxial with one other.