Foot-Controlled Spigot Valve with Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable liquid container spigots require manual operation with hands, leading to contamination risks, difficulty in use, especially for children and those with weak hands, and frequent spills, as they are often placed near the bottom and have stiff springs, making them hard to operate and clean.
Innovation Solution
A foot-controlled spigot device that remotely opens and closes the spigot valve using a flexible cable, allowing users to operate the spigot without touching it, keeping hands free and applying greater force to overcome stiff springs, thus reducing contamination and spill risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of spigot button is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A foot-operated control device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the spigot valve. The control device includes a foot pedal, cable, and actuator mechanism that transmits force remotely to operate the spigot button, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The direct manual mechanical operation of the spigot button by hand is replaced with a remote mechanical control system operated by foot. The cable and actuator mechanism substitute for direct hand manipulation, enabling operation without physical contact with the spigot
2Force
If spigot button is pressed with fingers, then device complexity remains simple, but force application is insufficient for stiff springs
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-operated control device serves as a mechanical intermediary that allows the user's foot to apply force indirectly to the spigot button through a cable and actuator system. This intermediary mechanism enables transmission of greater force than can be applied directly by fingers
Solution Approach 2:
The operation transitions from vertical finger pressing motion to horizontal foot pressing motion on a pedal. This dimensional change allows the user to leverage body weight and leg strength rather than limited hand and finger strength
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hands are used to operate spigot, then ease of operation is maintained, but contamination and spill risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-operated control device acts as a mediator that completely separates the user's hands from contact with the spigot. The cable and actuator mechanism transmit the operational force remotely, eliminating the contamination pathway while maintaining operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The hand operation function is extracted from the spigot control process and relocated to a foot-operated pedal. This extraction removes hands from the contamination risk zone while preserving the ability to operate the spigot effectively
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 foot-controlled spigot device allows for hands-free operation, reducing contamination risks, improving usability for children and those with weak hands, minimizing spills, and enabling thorough washing and cleaning in remote areas where clean water is scarce.
Implementation Method 1
by means of a flexible cable, the embodiment can remotely open and close a spigot and control the flow of a liquid from a portable container
Data Source
AI summary
A kit and devices for operating a spigot of a portable liquid container with a foot pedal, including a foot control member; a spigot having a valve body, a shaft, and a button member; and a spigot control device coupled to the foot control member with a flexible cable.