Inclined Shutter Axis for Compact Thermostatic Mixing Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixer tap cartridges with thermostatic modules have a large footprint, making them difficult to adapt to mixer taps with limited reception space, and existing solutions do not effectively manage the compactness of thermostatic control systems within the cartridge.

Innovation Solution

A mixing unit with a thermostatic system where the shutter axis is inclined relative to the orthogonal plane, allowing the thermostatic means to be arranged obliquely within the unit, thereby improving compactness while maintaining thermostatic control functionality, including a thermosensitive part at the outlet and a movable part that can close the hot water intake based on temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate additional thermostatic module is attached to the cartridge, then thermostatic control functionality is achieved, but the footprint and space requirement increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermostatic control functionalityVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the thermostatic control system directly into the cartridge structure, integrating the thermosensitive part, mobile part, and shutter mechanism within the existing cartridge volume. This eliminates the need for a separate additional module while maintaining full thermostatic control functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving thermostatic control and minimizing footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermostatic control components are nested within the cartridge's internal volume. The thermosensitive part is disposed at least partially at the outlet, and the mobile part with shutter is positioned within the cartridge body, effectively utilizing the existing three-dimensional space. This nesting approach allows the thermostatic system to fit within the cartridge without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the gate valve translation axis is coaxial with the cartridge axis, then the structure is simplified, but the thermostatic control system occupies excessive space in the lower part of the cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry by positioning the shutter axis at an angle relative to the cartridge's main axis. Specifically, the mobile part translates along a shutter axis that is angled at between 10° and 45° with respect to the outlet axis. This asymmetric arrangement redistributes the space occupation within the cartridge, allowing the thermostatic control system to fit within the available volume without excessive lower part occupation, while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the shutter axis is inclined at an angle with respect to the orthogonal plane, then the compactness of the mixing unit is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a particular angular parameter range for the shutter axis (10° to 45° with respect to the outlet axis) that optimizes the balance between compactness and manufacturability. This parameter change allows the thermostatic components to be arranged in a space-efficient manner while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes. The angled arrangement enables better packing of components within the cartridge volume without requiring complex custom tooling or assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the compactness of the mixing unit, ensuring effective thermostatic regulation and adaptability to various mixer tap designs without increasing the overall size, allowing for efficient temperature and flow rate adjustment of the mixed water stream.

Implementation Method 1

a thermostatic element comprising both a thermosensitive part disposed at least partially at the outlet, and a part that can move in translation relative to the thermosensitive part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10817006B2Mixing unit and mixer tap comprising such a mixing unit

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 VERNET SA

AI summary

The mixing unit for a mixer tap has a generally cylindrical shape defining a main axis and comprising a first intake of a first incoming stream of fluid having a first temperature, a second intake of a second incoming stream of fluid having a second temperature greater than the first temperature, an outlet for an outgoing stream, means for mixing the first and second incoming streams to form the outgoing stream, and thermostatic means which comprise a portion that is mobile in translation along a shutter axis. According to the invention, a plane that is orthogonal to the main axis and the shutter axis intersect, wherein the shutter axis is inclined with respect to this orthogonal plane, and passes through it so that the mixing unit, while being easy to manufacture, has sufficient compactness to accommodate most existing mixer taps.