Adjustable Water Mixer Flow Regulator With External Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line flow regulators for water mixers are not easily accessible for maintenance or replacement and are limited to non-adjustable predetermined flow rates, which restricts user control over water flow.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable flow regulator is introduced, comprising a regulator body with a movable control element that can be adjusted within the body to restrict the fluid path, allowing for adjustable flow control between a fully open and fully closed position, using a torque force to move the control element and a flow regulating element to maintain a constant flow rate, enabling adjustment between minimum and predetermined flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an in-line flow regulator is installed within the mixer body, then flow rate control is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator is divided into two separate components: a flow regulating element installed in the water line and a regulator body with a control element that can be accessed from outside the mixer body. This segmentation allows the control mechanism to be independently accessible for maintenance while the flow regulation function remains integrated in the water line.
2Productivity
If a predetermined flow rate is used, then flow restriction is achieved, but user adjustability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator transitions from a static predetermined flow rate design to a dynamic adjustable system. The control element can be moved by the user to change the position of the restriction surface, allowing the cross-sectional area of the fluid path to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the flow rate to be adapted to different user needs while maintaining effective flow restriction through the threaded engagement mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the control element is made accessible from outside the mixer body, then ease of adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control element acts as an intermediary between the user and the flow regulating element. The control element features a control surface that can be accessed from outside the mixer body, allowing users to adjust the flow rate without disassembling the mixer. This intermediary component translates user input into positional changes of the restriction surface, simplifying the user interface while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a threaded opening mechanism.
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 adjustable flow regulator allows for easy access and adjustment of water flow rates, providing user control over the landing position of mixed water, ensuring a consistent flow rate between minimum and predetermined levels, enhancing maintenance accessibility and user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The control element adjustably restricts the flow of mixed water by presenting a restriction surface to mixed water within the regulator body, which restriction surface reduces a cross-sectional area of the fluid path within the regulator body.
Implementation Method 2
The control element may be moved within the regulator body by a torque force from a torque-producing tool, such as a screwdriver.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The present invention provides an adjustable flow regulator for a water mixer that, when in use, is disposed in a fluid path between a mixer cartridge and a mixer outlet of the water mixer, the adjustable flow regulator comprises a regulator body having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the mixer cartridge to receive mixed water therefrom, and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the mixer outlet. The regulator body further comprises a control element moveable within the regulator body, wherein the control element is moveable to adjustably restrict the fluid path and thereby flow of mixed water exiting the outlet.