Integrated Faucet Valve Core With Closure-Limiting Mixing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucet valve cores require two separate valve cores for water mixing and distribution, leading to a complex, large, and inefficient structure that is wasteful of materials and difficult to process.
Innovation Solution
A single valve core that integrates water mixing and distribution functions, allowing the valve handle to control water inlet channels through rotation and water outlet channels through swinging, with a movable valve sheet that adjusts mixing ratios and switches outlet channels, and includes a limiting mechanism to ensure proper closure at the initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate valve cores are used for water mixing and distribution, then the functions of water temperature adjustment and flow distribution can be realized, but the faucet body becomes complex in structure, large in size, wasteful of copper materials, and difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve cores (water mixing valve core and water distribution valve core) into a single integrated valve core. The integrated valve core includes a valve body with cold water inlet, hot water inlet, mixed water outlet, first water outlet channel, and second water outlet channel, along with a valve plate that can rotate to control both water mixing and distribution functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for two separate valve cores and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve core is designed to perform multiple functions: it can mix cold and hot water to control temperature, distribute water to different outlets (shower, top shower, faucet), and control water flow. The valve plate's rotation mechanism enables a single component to handle both water mixing and distribution tasks that previously required two separate valve cores
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate valve cores are used for water mixing and distribution, then the required functions can be achieved, but copper material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate valve cores into one integrated valve core, directly reducing the total amount of copper material required. The integrated design consolidates the valve bodies, inlet channels, outlet channels, and control mechanisms into a single component, eliminating redundant copper material that would be present in two separate valve core assemblies
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate valve cores are used for water mixing and distribution, then the functions can be realized, but the processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two valve core processing tasks into one, reducing the overall processing difficulty. The integrated valve core can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit with integrated channels and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate machining, assembly, and sealing operations that would be required for two separate valve cores
4Ease of operation
If the valve handle can swing at any position, then water outlet channels can be closed, but water may leak from the mixed water outlet during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the limiting portion and limiting recess to ensure that the valve plate can only swing to the vertical position (90 degrees) where the blocking surface properly seals the mixed water outlet. The limiting mechanism prevents the valve plate from swinging to positions where improper sealing would occur, thereby preventing water leakage while still allowing full closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting portion and limiting recess are pre-positioned to guide the valve plate into the correct sealing position before closure occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the blocking surface is properly aligned with the mixed water outlet sealing surface, guaranteeing reliable sealing and preventing leakage during the closure operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve core. The valve core comprises a valve housing (1), a valve handle (4), a rotor (2), a driving plate, a movable valve sheet and a fixed valve sheet. The driving plate is disposed on the bottom of the rotor, the movable valve sheet disposed inside the valve housing and below the driving plate; the fixed valve sheet disposed inside the valve housing and located at the bottom of the valve housing. The driving plate has a limiting portion; the valve housing has two inner blocks. Only when the limiting portion is aligned with the limiting recess, the movable valve sheet is capable of sliding with the driving plate in a direction of closing inlet water, when the limiting portion is exposed to a periphery of the rotor, the limiting portion inserts into the limiting recess; and when the driving plate rotates in a state where the limiting portion and the limiting recess are misaligned, the limiting portion is blocked by the inner blocks, so as to stop the movable valve sheet from sliding with the driving plate in a direction of closing inlet water. The present invention also relates to a pull-out faucet.