Dual-Actuator Fluid Control Valve for Accessible Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tap and faucet systems face challenges in accessibility for shut-off valves, which are often located in hard-to-reach areas, making maintenance and replacement of washers difficult, especially after installation within enclosures like bath panels or sink units.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve design featuring a dual valve system with a first valve actuator that adjusts to control fluid flow, including a second valve actuator and body that can be urged into an open configuration by the first actuator, allowing fluid flow, and a third position where fluid pressure closes the valve, eliminating the need for external shut-off valves and enabling easy maintenance by allowing automatic disconnection of water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional shut-off valve is installed close to the tap, then the water supply can be easily closed for maintenance, but the valve becomes inaccessible after installation within enclosures like bath panels or sink units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shut-off function with the main valve body by integrating a second valve (automatic shut-off valve) into the valve body itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external shut-off valves, making the shut-off function accessible and operational while maintaining a compact structure suitable for enclosed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve is designed to automatically close when fluid pressure is applied to its actuator, enabling self-service shut-off functionality. This automatic mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation of external valves, allowing users to close the water supply easily by simply pressing the actuator, even when the valve is installed within enclosures.
2Reliability
If external shut-off valves are used, then water supply can be controlled, but they are prone to damage or theft during construction and require separate maintenance access
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the second valve into the valve body, the shut-off function becomes part of the main assembly that is already protected within the enclosed installation. This eliminates the vulnerability of external valves to damage or theft during construction while maintaining ease of maintenance through the accessible actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic shut-off mechanism with its accessible actuator enables easy maintenance operations. Users can close the water supply by simply pressing the actuator, making maintenance accessible without requiring separate valve locations or complex access procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a dual valve system is integrated into the valve body, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second valve into the valve body structure, utilizing existing spaces and components. This integration approach improves maintenance accessibility while minimizing the increase in device complexity by sharing structural elements and space with the main valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to accommodate multiple functions: the first valve for flow control and the second valve for automatic shut-off. This multi-functionality is achieved through shared structural elements and coordinated actuator mechanisms, improving maintenance accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This design allows for easy maintenance and replacement of tap components without requiring external shut-off valves, improving accessibility and reducing the risk of damage or theft during construction, while also enabling efficient fluid control in various applications beyond plumbing.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure at the inlet to cause the second valve to close, preventing flow of fluid through the fluid control valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control valve includes first and second valves. The first valve is adjustable under the control of a first valve actuator between a closed position in which flow of fluid through the first valve is prevented and an open position in which flow of fluid through the first valve is permitted. The second valve comprises a second valve actuator adapted such that the first valve actuator bears against the second valve actuator in each of said first and second positions to urge the second valve into an open configuration allowing flow of fluid. The first valve actuator is adjustable to a third position in which the first valve actuator is spaced from the second valve actuator by a separation sufficient to allow fluid pressure at the inlet to cause the second valve to close, preventing flow of fluid through the fluid control valve.