Coupled Diaphragm Multiway Valve for Low-Force Outlet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves for sanitary fittings require high actuating forces and are dependent on liquid pressure, making them inefficient and difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve design featuring membrane valves with counter-pressure chambers and a coupling mechanism that allows for low-force actuation independent of liquid pressure, using a controller with control channels and a spring for reset functionality to ensure consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sluggish push/pull valves are used for changeover, then the valve can control multiple outlets, but the actuating forces become dependent on liquid pressure and require high force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses membrane valves actuated by pressure differences in counter-pressure chambers. Liquid pressure from the inlet automatically opens the membrane valves, eliminating the need for high manual actuating forces. The control channels introduce liquid pressure selectively to open specific outlets, while the coupling ensures only one outlet opens at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical push/pull valves with membrane valves that use fluid pressure for actuation. The membrane valves respond to pressure differences across the membrane, substituting manual mechanical force with automated pressure-based control.
2Ease of operation
If traditional valves are used, then outlet control is achieved, but the actuation is sluggish and dependent on liquid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane valves are actuated by liquid pressure introduced through control channels. When a control channel opens, liquid pressure rapidly fills the counter-pressure chamber, causing the membrane to deflect and open the valve quickly. This hydraulic actuation is much faster and easier than manual push/pull mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient and low-force actuation of the valve, ensuring consistent outlet control regardless of liquid pressure, with the spring mechanism maintaining the valve in a defined state when not in use, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling for coupling the first membrane to the second membrane such that a closing movement of the first membrane causes an opening movement of the second membrane
Implementation Method 2
at least one first membrane valve for controlling (opening and closing) the at least one first outlet, wherein the at least one first membrane valve has a first membrane and a first counter-pressure chamber connected to the at least one inlet
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Multi-way valve (1) for a sanitary fitting, comprising at least: - a housing (2) with at least one inlet (3), at least one first outlet (4) and at least one second outlet (5); - at least one first diaphragm valve (6) for controlling the at least one first outlet (4), wherein the at least one first diaphragm valve (6) comprises a first diaphragm (7) and a first back pressure chamber (8) connected to the at least one inlet (3); - at least one second diaphragm valve (9) for controlling the at least one second outlet (5), wherein the at least one second diaphragm valve (9) comprises a second diaphragm (10) and a second back pressure chamber (11) connected to the at least one inlet (3);- a control (12) for controlling the at least one first diaphragm valve (6) and the at least one second diaphragm valve (9), wherein the control (12) has at least one first control channel (13) with a first control valve (14) and at least one second control channel (15) with a second control valve (16), and wherein the at least one first control channel (13) connects the first back pressure chamber (8) of the at least one first diaphragm valve (6) to the at least one first outlet (4), bypassing the first diaphragm (7), and the at least one second control channel (15) connects the second back pressure chamber (11) of the at least one second diaphragm valve (9) to the at least one second outlet (5), bypassing the second diaphragm (10); and - a coupling (17) for coupling the first diaphragm (7) to the second diaphragm (10), such that a closing movement of the first diaphragm (7) causes an opening movement of the second diaphragm (10).