Dual-Operation Valve Core for Stable Shower Temperature Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower faucet valve cores integrate switching and temperature adjustment into a single handle, leading to cumbersome operation and poor user experience due to temperature re-adjustments required during switching.
Innovation Solution
A combined valve core with a changeable function, featuring a valve core body with separate operating portions for switching the water flow channel and adjusting the temperature of the water flow, utilizing different operating manners to prevent mutual interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If switching and temperature adjustment are integrated to the same handle, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to temperature re-adjustment required during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The valve core is segmented into two independent operating portions: a first operating portion for switching the water flow channel (on/off control) and a second operating portion for adjusting the temperature by controlling the flow rates of hot and cold water. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently without interfering with the other, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Device complexity
If a single handle controls both switching and temperature adjustment, then the number of components is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to mutual interference between functions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve core is divided into two independent operating portions with distinct functions: the first operating portion controls the water flow channel switching, and the second operating portion controls the temperature adjustment. This segmentation isolates the two functions, preventing mutual interference and improving reliability, while still maintaining a relatively integrated structure with a limited number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve core employs different operating manners for the two functions: the first operating portion uses a pressing motion for switching, while the second operating portion uses a rotating motion for temperature adjustment. This dynamic differentiation ensures that the operations do not interfere with each other, enhancing functional stability and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If temperature adjustment is performed by rotating the handle, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to angle changes during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The valve core separates temperature adjustment from the switching function by using a dedicated second operating portion for temperature control. This portion uses a rotating motion that is independent of the switching operation, allowing for precise temperature adjustment without the angle changes that would occur during switching. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve core employs different operating manners for the two functions: the first operating portion uses a pressing motion for switching, while the second operating portion uses a rotating motion for temperature adjustment. This dynamic differentiation ensures that the temperature adjustment rotation does not interfere with the switching operation, maintaining precise angular control for temperature regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined valve core with a changeable function includes a valve core body, where the valve core body includes an outer housing, a base, a first operating portion and a second operating portion; a first water inlet for receiving hot water, a second water inlet for receiving cold water, and a water outlet are arranged on the base; a water flow channel communicating with the first water inlet, the second water inlet and the water outlet is formed in the valve core body; the first operating portion is configured to switch the water flow channel in a first switching manner; and the second operating portion is configured to adjust, in a second switching manner, a flow rate of the hot water and a flow rate of the cold water converged into the water flow channel to adjust a temperature of a water flow leaving from the water outlet.