Delayed Closing Valve Instant Flow Interruption Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-closing valves with delay chambers do not allow users to interrupt water flow instantaneously, limiting user control, especially in applications like shower installations where immediate water cessation is desired for tasks like soaping.

Innovation Solution

A second push-button valve is connected between the water inlet and the delay chamber of the main valve, allowing users to briefly apply network pressure to stop the water flow by pressing the second valve's pusher, which is designed to push the piston back against its seat, interrupting the flow, and can be resumed by actuating the primary push-button valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a delay chamber with calibrated orifice is used to control water flow timing, then automatic timing control is achieved, but user ability to interrupt flow instantaneously is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic timing controlVSAvoiduser control to interrupt flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A second push-button valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the water supply and the delay chamber. This intermediate valve allows users to quickly release pressure from the delay chamber, enabling instantaneous interruption of water flow without disrupting the automatic timing mechanism's overall function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the delay chamber is vented to open air via a push-button valve, then remote control capability is achieved, but instantaneous flow interruption is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidflow interruption speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes pneumatic principles by controlling water flow through pressure management in the delay chamber. The second push-button valve enables rapid hydraulic pressure equalization by venting the delay chamber to atmosphere, causing instantaneous flow interruption through pressure-driven piston movement rather than gradual draining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of manufacture

If the main faucet time delay is fixed at factory setting, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed factory settingVSAvoiduser modification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second push-button valve empowers users to self-adjust the system's behavior in real-time without requiring factory reconfiguration or technical expertise. Users can independently control flow interruption timing by operating the additional valve, providing adaptability while maintaining the simplicity of the original fixed-time design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 users to instantly stop and resume water flow, providing greater control over the timing of water delivery, enhancing user experience in applications like shower installations.

Implementation Method 1

by a brief action on the push button of this tap, all the pressure of the network is applied to the piston of the main tap which is strongly pushed back against its seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the pressure of the network is applied to the piston of the main tap which is strongly pushed back against its seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a delay chamber in which a piston connected in translation to the valve valve can move, said chamber communicating with the water inlet via a calibrated orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Flow: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP1893899B1Device for interrupting delay of a delayed closing valve
Publication Date: 2008.11.26 LES ROBINETAB PRESTO
  • EP1893899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1893899B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a
  • EP1893899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a device for interrupting delay of a delayed closing valve of the type comprising a delaying chamber (8) including a mobile piston (7) whereof the movement is capable of closing or releasing the seat (5) interposed between the water inlet and exit characterized in that a pipe (18-20), whereon is interposed a closure means, connects the water inlet (3) to the delaying chamber (8).