Diaphragm Switching Valve for Pressure-Independent Multi-Outlet Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets in the sanitary plumbing industry face difficulties in switching water flow due to restrictive water pressure ranges and issues with scale incrustation, which affects normal operation, especially in areas with poor water quality.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve design comprising a valve body, diaphragm, and driving assembly that allows for independent control of two water outlets, maintaining a normally open state and reducing pressure influence by switching between water flow paths through the diaphragm's opening and closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting water separator is used to switch water flow, then the water flow can be switched between different outlets, but the water pressure must be kept within a certain range (too high pressure makes switching difficult, too low pressure cannot complete switching)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional lifting water separator mechanism by using a snap-in sealing part that closes the water outlet through a snapping motion rather than lifting. The driving assembly pushes the snap-in sealing part to close the outlet, and the elastic membrane restores it to open state, reversing the conventional operation mode to eliminate pressure-dependent switching issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the water flow switching mechanism by introducing an elastic membrane that responds to pressure changes within a broader range. The elastic membrane can accommodate varying water pressures while maintaining effective sealing and switching capability, allowing the valve to operate reliably across different pressure conditions without requiring precise pressure control
2Ease of operation
If a lifting water separator is used, then water flow switching is achieved, but scale incrustation affects normal operation in areas with poor water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid lifting water separator with a flexible elastic membrane and snap-in sealing part configuration. The elastic membrane can flex and adapt to minor deformations caused by scale incrustation, maintaining sealing effectiveness where rigid structures would fail. The thin film nature of the elastic membrane allows it to conform to the valve cavity surface even with some scale buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic membrane provides self-restoring functionality through its elastic properties. When the snap-in sealing part is pushed to close the outlet, the elastic membrane deforms and then automatically restores to its original position, enabling automatic opening without requiring additional mechanical components that could accumulate scale. This self-service mechanism reduces vulnerability to scale incrustation
3Ease of operation
If a lifting water separator is used, then single water outlet control is possible, but independent control of multiple water outlets cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water control function by providing separate snap-in sealing parts and elastic membranes for each water outlet. Each outlet can be independently controlled by its own driving assembly, allowing selective opening or closing of individual outlets. This segmentation enables versatile control configurations where different outlets can be operated independently or simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The driving assembly is designed with universal functionality to control multiple water outlets through a single operational mechanism. The driving assembly can selectively engage with different snap-in sealing parts to control different outlets, providing multi-functionality that allows one control system to manage multiple water flow paths with independent control capability
Data Source
AI summary
A switching valve includes a valve body, a diaphragm, and a driving assembly. The valve body includes a valve cavity, a water inlet, a first water outlet, and a second water outlet in communication with the valve cavity. The diaphragm includes two unsealing parts connected with the driving assembly and respectively arranged opposite to the first water outlet and the second water outlet. Each unsealing part can control opening or closing of the first water outlet or the second water outlet. The driving assembly can individually drive each of the unsealing parts to switch between opening and closing such that at least one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet is in an open state.