Dual-Control Distribution Valve for Accessible Fluid Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of orthopedic devices with limited motor skills face difficulties in operating distribution valves with multiple connections, as they often require precise manipulation of small actuating elements to adjust fluid levels in cushions or chambers, which can be inaccessible or hard to reach.
Innovation Solution
A distribution valve with multiple connections, featuring individual and collective switching elements that can be independently actuated to open or close connection channels, allowing for easy operation and individual filling of chambers or cushions, with a design that includes eccentric levers and a collective switching element to facilitate fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple individual switching elements are provided for each connection channel, then individual control of each channel is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two functional layers: individual switching elements (first switching elements) for each connection channel and a collective switching element (second switching element) for overall control. This segmentation allows independent control of each channel while providing a unified mechanism to manage all channels simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between individual control capability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a collective switching element controls all connection channels, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to individually control each channel may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two control mechanisms into a single distribution valve system: individual switching elements for each connection channel and a collective switching element that can control all channels simultaneously. The merging is designed such that the collective switching element operates in conjunction with individual switching elements, allowing both collective and individual control modes to function together without compromising either capability.
3Measurement precision
If the distribution valve is designed with multiple switching elements for precise fluid control, then fluid management precision is improved, but the ease of operation for users with limited motor skills deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collective switching element serves multiple functions: it can control all connection channels simultaneously, it can work in conjunction with individual switching elements for selective channel control, and it provides a larger, more accessible actuation interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precise fluid control capabilities while providing an easier operation mode for users with limited motor skills through the collective control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution valve with several ports (4), each of which is connected to a connection channel, wherein the distribution valve has several individual switching elements (8) and at least one collective switching element (10), each of which can be moved into a flow position and a switching position, wherein each connection channel can be influenced by an individual switching element (8) and a collective switching element (10) such that the connection channel is open when the individual switching element (8) and the collective switching element (10) are in their flow position, and wherein the connection channel is closed when the individual switching element (8) and the collective switching element (10) are in their switching position, wherein the at least one collective switching element (10) and the individual switching elements (8) can be actuated independently of each other.