Lever Switching Valve Structure for Low-Force Short-Stroke Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial pulling type switch valves require large switch forces and have long switch routes, making them inconvenient and non-smooth to operate due to water flowing and air pressure effects.
Innovation Solution
A lever type switch valve design where a lever device drives a spindle to move up and down, with pistons that turn on or off waterways, featuring a spindle with through holes and sealing plugs to reduce resistance and balance forces, ensuring efficient and balanced switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If axial pulling type switch valve is used, then the waterway can be switched, but large switch force is required due to water flowing and air pressure effects
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent sealing elements (first sealing plug, second sealing plug, third sealing plug) that can move independently. Each sealing element handles a portion of the sealing task, distributing the force requirement across multiple components rather than requiring one large forceful movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from axial pulling motion to rotational lever motion. The lever rotates around a fulcrum, converting linear force application into rotational torque, which provides mechanical advantage and reduces the force required at the operating end of the lever.
2Ease of operation
If axial pulling type switch valve is used, then the waterway can be switched, but long switch route is required for movable component to slide
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the entire valve body or large components axially over a long distance, the invention inverts the approach by using a lever that rotates in place. The sealing elements move only short distances along their respective paths, while the lever's rotational arc provides the switching action.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary between the operator's input and the sealing elements. It translates a small rotational movement at the fulcrum into coordinated movements of multiple sealing elements, reducing the overall travel distance required for switching.
3Ease of operation
If axial pulling type switch valve is used, then the waterway can be switched, but the operation is inconvenient and doesn't operate smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is equipped with a weight that acts as a counterbalance to the sealing elements and valve components. This counterweight compensates for the gravitational force and inertia of the moving parts, allowing the lever to rotate smoothly with minimal friction and making the valve easier to operate.
4Reliability
If spindle moves axially to switch waterway, then sealing can be achieved, but large force is needed to overcome water resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided among three separate sealing plugs that move independently along their respective paths. Each plug seals a specific section, distributing the sealing task and reducing the force required at any single point compared to a single large sealing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves as an intermediary that translates rotational motion into the linear movements of the sealing plugs. This mechanical advantage system reduces the force required to move the plugs against water resistance while maintaining reliable sealing contact.
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 lever type switch valve reduces switch force requirements, balances forces between waterways, and provides a shorter spindle route while maintaining large outlet volume needs, improving operational smoothness and sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reset elastic element, the lever button is disposed with a movable portion, a top end of the spindle body is movably coupled to the movable portion to drive the spindle to slide axially, the reset elastic element abuts between the cover plate and the position pin
Implementation Method 2
the first sealing ring is locked to the first annular groove, the first sealing ring is slidably coupled to the slide section in sealing way; the second sealing ring is locked to the annular second groove, the second sealing ring is coupled to the sealing section in sealing way
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lever type switching valve comprises a switching chamber (10) divided into three sections in the axial direction. The three sections are two water outlet chambers (11, 13) provided at two ends and a water inlet chamber (12) provided at the middle section. Each water outlet chamber (11, 13) has a sliding section (14, 15) at the outer end in the axial direction. Inner convex rings (19) are provided between both ends of the water inlet chamber (12) and the two water outlet chambers (11, 13). The switching chamber also comprises a spindle (20) which is axially slidable within the switching chamber (10) and is divided into three sections in the axial direction. The three sections are two pistons (21, 23) provided at the two ends and a flow section (22) provided at the middle section. The two pistons (21, 23) each has a large outer end and a small inner end. The axial lengths of the water outlet chambers (11, 13) are longer than the axial lengths of the pistons (21, 23), and the axial length of the flow section (22) is longer than the axial lengths of the water inlet chamber (12). The flow section passes through the inner convex rings (19) and is provided with a flow channel to the inner convex rings (19). The water inlet chamber (12) is communicated with a water inlet, and both water outlet chambers are communicated with a water outlet respectively. An end of the spindle (20) is movably connected with an end of the lever through a moving part. The lever type switching valve saves switching forces and has balanced switching forces, and the spindle (20) has a shorter stroke.