Dual-Adjustment Flow Limiting Device With Anti-Off Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow limiting devices for water outlets lack flexibility in flow reduction configurations and are prone to damage due to lack of anti-off ribs, leading to reduced service life and ineffective function.
Innovation Solution
A dual-adjustment flow limiting device with a deformable ring-shaped flow limiting member and an adjustment mechanism that allows for even flow restriction, featuring engagement protrusions and grooves to adjust the communicating area between internal and external ports, and anti-off ribs to prevent the flow limiting member from slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flow limiting device uses a fixed flow limiting component, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot offer multiple configurations for flow reduction and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The flow limiting member is designed as a deformable ring-shaped component that can dynamically change its configuration. It features two states: a first configuration where the member is relaxed and allows greater flow, and a second configuration where the member is deformed by the adjustment mechanism to restrict flow more severely. This dynamic capability enables multiple flow reduction configurations without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: the flow limiting member (separate deformable element), the adjustment mechanism (with engagement protrusion and grooves), and the housing structure. This segmentation allows the flow limiting member to be independently adjusted between different configurations while maintaining overall device integrity, providing flexibility without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a conventional flow limiting device lacks anti-off ribs, then the device structure is simpler, but the flow limiting component is prone to damage and easy to escape, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
Anti-off ribs are provided on the inner circumference of the housing, positioned beforehand to engage with corresponding features on the flow limiting member. These ribs act as preventive measures that stop the flow limiting member from escaping or becoming damaged during operation, thereby extending service life and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow limiting member is designed as a flexible ring-shaped component that can deform elastically. This flexibility allows it to be compressed by water pressure to restrict flow while the anti-off ribs prevent it from over-compressing or escaping, combining reliability with operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flow limiting member is not evenly deformed, then the device structure is simpler, but the water flow cannot be restricted evenly, affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses an asymmetric engagement system where the engagement protrusion on the flow limiting member interacts with specific engagement grooves in the housing. By selectively engaging different grooves, the flow limiting member can be positioned to achieve even deformation across its circumference, ensuring uniform flow restriction performance.
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 device provides flexible and reliable flow reduction, prevents excessive deformation, and maintains structural integrity, allowing users to easily adjust flow restrictions without compromising the device's functionality or service life.
Implementation Method 1
capable of being deformed in response to the pressure of a flow entering the flow chamber of the inner shell to partially block the internal ports
Implementation Method 2
capable of being deformed in response to the pressure of a flow entering the flow chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-adjustment flow limiting device includes an outer shell, an inner shell, a flow limiting member, and an adjustment mechanism. The outer shell defines a plurality of external ports. The inner shell defines a flow chamber and a plurality of internal ports communicating with the flow chamber and is fitted into the outer shell such that a communicating area is formed between the internal and external ports. The flow limiting member is disposed in the flow chamber of the inner shell and can be deformed in response to the pressure of a water flow entering the flow chamber to partially block the internal ports, so that the water flow entering the flow chamber can be restricted. The adjustment mechanism is provided at the outer and inner shells to adjust the communicating area, so that the water flow can be further restricted.