External Fluid Junction Assembly for Faucet Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucet assemblies experience unwanted noise and vibration due to sudden pressure changes when the water supply is turned off, which is caused by the rapid closure of the valve cartridge leading to backpressure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid junction assembly with a flow limiter is positioned externally to the faucet body, featuring a valve assembly that includes a stopper biased towards a closed position. The stopper opens to allow fluid flow when the cartridge valve is activated and closes to limit or stop flow when the cartridge is deactivated, thereby reducing backpressure and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve cartridge is used to control fluid flow in a faucet assembly, then the faucet can regulate water supply effectively, but sudden pressure changes occur when the valve is closed, causing noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
A flow limiter valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve cartridge and the outlet. This mediator valve gradually reduces flow after the main valve closes, preventing sudden pressure changes and the associated noise and vibration, while maintaining the ease of operation of the primary valve control
2Loss of time
If the valve cartridge is closed suddenly to stop water flow, then the faucet stops supplying water quickly, but backpressure is generated causing detrimental effects on user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The flow limiter operates in two distinct phases: an initial rapid closure phase that quickly stops most flow, followed by a gradual reduction phase that slowly reduces remaining flow to zero. This periodic action pattern achieves both quick flow cessation and smooth pressure transition, eliminating backpressure-related issues while maintaining rapid response
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 fluid junction assembly effectively reduces or eliminates noise and vibration by controlling fluid flow, ensuring a smooth transition when the water supply is turned off, thus enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper being spring biased toward the closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet assembly including a fluid junction assembly is disclosed. The fluid junction assembly includes an inlet portion configured to receive a supply fluid and an outlet portion configured to output the supply fluid. The fluid junction assembly further includes a valve assembly positioned along a fluid path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The valve assembly has an open state allowing fluid flow when the supply fluid is flowing from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion and a closed state limiting fluid flow when the supply fluid is not flowing from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion. The fluid junction assembly may be positioned outside a faucet body, for example at an underbody location as installed.