Flow regulating push switch conjoined valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of household appliances, such as steam cleaners, requires separate valve bodies for flow switching and regulation, which hinders compactness and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A flow regulating push switch conjoined valve is designed, integrating flow regulation and push switch functions into a single compact valve body. This valve consists of a valve housing with isolated chambers for the flow regulation and push switch assemblies, connected by communication channels and pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate valve bodies (switch valve and regulating valve) are used, then the functions of flow switching and regulation are achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidvalve body volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges a switch valve and a regulating valve into a single integrated valve body, combining two previously separate functional components into one unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate valve bodies while maintaining both flow switching and flow regulation capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and compact size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate valve bodies are used, then flow switching and regulation functions are independent, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the switch valve and regulating valve into one integrated valve body, the patent reduces the number of separate components and assembly interfaces. This merging simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the independence of the switching and regulation functions through internal design arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate valve bodies are used for switching and regulation, then each valve can be optimized independently, but compactness and miniaturization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidvalve assembly volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the regulating valve components are positioned within or adjacent to the switch valve components in a space-efficient configuration. This nesting allows both valve functions to coexist in a compact volume while maintaining their individual optimization for respective functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integrated design results in a more compact and miniaturized valve structure, enhancing the miniaturization and functionalization of household appliances while maintaining effective fluid control.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring which acts on the switch valve rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4306828B1Flow regulating push switch conjoined valve
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4306828B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306828B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4306828B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a flow regulating push switch conjoined valve, comprising a valve housing (100), a flow regulation assembly (200) and a push switch assembly (300). The valve housing has a first chamber and a second chamber which are isolated from each other, a communication channel (15) is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a first connection pipe (11) and a second connection pipe (12) are devised on the valve housing. The first connection pipe has a first channel (111) which is in communication with the first chamber and the second connection pipe has a second channel (121) which is in communication with the second chamber. The flow regulation assembly is installed in the first chamber for regulating a flow rate of a fluid between the first channel and the communication channel. The push switch assembly is installed in the second chamber for controlling connection and disconnection of a flow path between the second channel and the communication channel.