Diverter Valve With Undiverted Filtered Water Path

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diverter valves in tap assemblies interrupt the flow of water to the spout when the hand spray is operated, which can lead to complex flow paths and potential contamination of filtered water with hot and cold water.

Innovation Solution

A diverter valve design featuring an undiverted water flow path that remains open axially through the valve, using a central tubular member and a shuttle assembly with a valve head to shut off flow to the spout when the hand spray is actuated, while maintaining a separate path for filtered water to avoid contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the diverter valve closes to shut off flow to the spout when the spray is operated, then the spray can be activated, but the flow path becomes complex and filtered water may be contaminated with hot and cold water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray activationVSAvoidflow path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into separate channels: one for diverted water (hot/cold) and one for undiverted water (filtered). The diverter valve operates independently on the diverted path without affecting the undiverted filtered water path, eliminating contamination risk and simplifying the overall flow path design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter valve acts as an intermediary that selectively directs water flow without interrupting the filtered water path. The valve mechanism includes a valve member that moves to close the diverted path while leaving the undiverted path open, serving as a mediator between different water supplies without causing cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the diverter valve closes to shut off flow to the spout when the spray is operated, then the spray can be activated, but potential contamination of filtered water with hot and cold water occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray activationVSAvoidwater contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into separate channels: one for diverted water (hot/cold) and one for undiverted water (filtered). The diverter valve operates independently on the diverted path without affecting the undiverted filtered water path, eliminating contamination risk and simplifying the overall flow path design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter valve acts as an intermediary that selectively directs water flow without interrupting the filtered water path. The valve mechanism includes a valve member that moves to close the diverted path while leaving the undiverted path open, serving as a mediator between different water supplies without causing cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex flow path bypass arrangement is used to accommodate filtered water, then filtered water can be delivered, but the tap body structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltered water deliveryVSAvoidtap body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into separate channels: one for diverted water (hot/cold) and one for undiverted water (filtered). The diverter valve operates independently on the diverted path without affecting the undiverted filtered water path, eliminating contamination risk and simplifying the overall flow path design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The undiverted flow path serves multiple functions: it continuously delivers filtered water to the spout and provides a bypass that eliminates the need for complex routing arrangements. This multi-functional path simplifies the tap body structure while maintaining filtered water delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8826932B2Diverter valve

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 TCL MFG

AI summary

A diverter valve which is operable to divert a water supply to a spray includes an undiverted through passage for another water supply, such as filtered water.