Eccentric Two-Way Valve Layout for Compact Multi-Jet Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sanitary fittings with existing two-way valves require significant installation space, limiting design freedom and increasing material requirements, as they need to accommodate the larger size of these valves.

Innovation Solution

A two-way valve design with a valve housing, eccentric shaft, and a valve body that can be moved between two release positions to control liquid flow to different jet types, minimizing installation space by using a compact valve body and housing, and an electric motor for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional two-way valves are used in sanitary fittings, then the valve can control liquid flow to different jet types, but the valve requires significant installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejet type control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is nested within the valve housing in a compact arrangement where the piston moves axially within the housing to control flow paths. The eccentric shaft mechanism is integrated within the valve body structure, allowing the entire valve assembly to occupy minimal space while providing multiple jet type control functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve assembly performs multiple functions by directing liquid flow to different outlets (first jet type outlet and second jet type outlet) through the movement of a single piston controlled by the eccentric shaft, eliminating the need for separate valves for each jet type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional two-way valves are used in sanitary fittings, then the valve can control liquid flow, but the sanitary fittings have to be made particularly large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow controlVSAvoidsanitary fitting size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve components are nested within each other with the piston inside the valve housing, and the eccentric shaft mechanism integrated within the valve body, creating a compact assembly that fits within standard sanitary fitting dimensions without requiring enlarged housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional two-way valves are used in sanitary fittings, then the valve can control liquid flow to different jet types, but the material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple jet type capabilityVSAvoidmaterial requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flow control functions for different jet types are merged into a single valve assembly with one piston and one eccentric shaft mechanism, reducing the total quantity of valve materials needed compared to using separate valves for each jet type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve body and piston structure serves multiple purposes by controlling flow to both first and second jet type outlets, eliminating the need for additional valve components that would increase material requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the formation of a sanitary fitting with a two-way valve that requires less installation space, allowing for multiple jet types while maintaining design flexibility and reducing material usage.

Implementation Method 1

an eccentric shaft (8), by means of which the valve body (7) can be moved into a first release position for releasing the first liquid outlet (5) and into a second release position for releasing the second liquid outlet (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4067583A1Two-way valve for a sanitary fitting and sanitary fitting with such a two-way valve
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 GROHE AG
  • EP4067583A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4067583A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4067583A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A two-way valve (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), comprising at least: - a valve body (3) with a liquid inlet (4), a first liquid outlet (5), and a second liquid outlet (6); - a valve body (7) that is at least partially arranged in the valve body (3); and - an eccentric shaft (8) by which the valve body (7) can be adjusted to a first release position (9) for opening the first liquid outlet (5) and to a second release position for opening the second liquid outlet (6). A sanitary fitting (2) with such a two-way valve (1) is also proposed.