Delayed Tap Valve Spring-Loaded Piston Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timed taps with push-button controlled valves face issues in production complexity and assembly difficulties, particularly in shower installations, due to sensitivity of components like elastically deformable membranes and aging problems, which affect the timing and water flow control.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a piston with a tubular tail and a push-button mechanism that uses a spring to delay the valve's closure, allowing for easy assembly and tool-free construction, with a cover and pins ensuring secure assembly and sealed passages for water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastically deformable membrane is used to close the tubular tail, then the valve opening can be controlled by push-button release, but the production becomes delicate and the membrane is sensitive to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastically deformable membrane from the system entirely. Instead, it uses a rigid push-button with a flat end that directly closes the tubular tail opening through mechanical contact. This extraction of the problematic membrane component eliminates aging sensitivity while preserving the valve control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the delicate, long-lasting but unreliable membrane with a simple, robust push-button structure that is easier to manufacture and replace. The rigid button provides sufficient service life for typical applications while being far more reliable and easier to produce.
2Ease of manufacture
If a membrane is used for closing the tubular tail, then the valve function is achieved, but the production of the membrane is delicate and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the membrane component entirely, replacing it with a simple rigid push-button structure. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by removing the need for delicate membrane production while maintaining the essential valve closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the closing mechanism from flexible (membrane) to rigid (push-button). This parameter change simplifies manufacturing by using standard rigid materials and conventional machining processes instead of delicate membrane fabrication.
3Ease of operation
If the push-button mechanism is simplified for easy assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but the sealing and timing control must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing function into separate components: the push-button provides structural closure, while dedicated sealing elements (O-rings or gaskets) provide the water-tight seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the button for ease of assembly and the seals for precision sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing elements between the push-button and the tubular tail to ensure water-tight closure. These intermediary seals mediate between the simple rigid button structure and the requirement for precise sealing, allowing easy assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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
The design enhances production simplicity and assembly ease while maintaining effective water flow control and timing, suitable for shower installations, by using a spring-loaded piston mechanism and sealed passages for reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
an opposing spring 11, guided on its internal part and interposed between its collar 10b and the fixed member 12 carrying the seat 4
Implementation Method 2
a elastically deformable membrane interposed between the end of said tail and said push button
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a delayed tap of the type that comprises a water inlet (2), an outlet (3), a piston (6) bearing a valve (5) and comprising a tubular rod (8) sealingly extending through the seat (4) and comprising at least one opening (9) through which water can enter when the valve is distant from the seat and an outlet opening (8a), characterized in that the valve lift is controlled by the depression of a push button (10) in which an inner end is shaped for blocking the outlet opening (8a) of the rod (8), wherein said push button is subjected to the action of a control spring (11).