Flow-Dividing Water Outlet for Independent Dual Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water tap and cup cleaner systems require separate connections to two pipelines, increasing complexity and mounting costs, and lack the ability to independently manage multiple water supply states for each outlet.

Innovation Solution

A flow division water outlet device that integrates two water outlet members, such as a water tap and a cup cleaner, allowing independent control of cold water, hot water, and mixed water supply through a single switch, with a water division valve element guiding water flow between the two outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a water tap and cup cleaner are separately connected with two pipelines, then each outlet can be independently supplied with water, but the pipeline complexity and mounting cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent water supply capabilityVSAvoidpipeline complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate pipeline connections into a single integrated pipeline system. The water outlet device includes a body with a single pipeline connection that internally divides and distributes water to both the water tap and cup cleaner outlets, eliminating the need for two separate pipeline connections while maintaining independent supply capability to each outlet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pipeline connection serves multiple functions by internally branching to supply water to both the water tap and cup cleaner. The device body acts as a universal connection point that can independently control water flow to either or both outlets, replacing the need for separate dedicated pipelines for each function

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

2Device complexity

If a conventional water outlet device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot independently manage multiple water supply states for different outlets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidindependent water supply state control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device internally segments the single water inlet into multiple independent control paths. Each outlet (water tap and cup cleaner) has its own control mechanism that can independently regulate water flow, temperature mixing, and supply state without affecting the other outlet, while externally maintaining a simple single-pipeline connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate pipeline connections are used for water tap and cup cleaner, then each outlet has dedicated water supply, but the mounting cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvededicated water supply reliabilityVSAvoidmounting cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pipeline connections into a single standardized connection interface. The internal structure combines multiple water supply paths within one connection point, reducing the number of mounting operations required while maintaining dedicated, reliable water supply to each outlet through internal flow division mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4155470B1Flow division water outlet device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 ZHEJIANG SUNMIXER SANITARY WARE CO LTD
  • EP4155470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155470B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a flow division water outlet device, and belongs to the technical field of sanitary appliances. An objective of the present invention is to provide a flow division water outlet device capable of simultaneously and independently supplying two pipelines through one switch. The technical solution is as follows. A flow division water outlet device is configured to guide a water flow to a first water outlet member and a second water outlet member respectively and includes a device body, which is internally provided with a flow division seat. The flow division seat divides the inside of the device body into a first water outlet cavity, a second water outlet cavity, an accommodating cavity and a guide-in cavity. A water inlet passage is formed between the accommodating cavity and the guide-in cavity. A water division valve element is further included, which is at least provided with: a valve body having a water inlet, first water outlets and a second water outlet, and a valve rod, one end of the valve rod is at least partially arranged in the valve body in a penetrating manner and the valve rod rotates to independently open the first water outlets or the second water outlet.