Mixer Valve Diaphragm Flow Control With Low-Force Push Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixer valves require high input forces and/or stroke lengths for push button operation, making them difficult to use for flow control, and lack independent operation of rotatable and push control members.
Innovation Solution
A mixer valve design incorporating a diaphragm valve that responds to a push-operated control member for flow control, with a thermostatic cartridge and a dual control mechanism allowing independent operation of push and rotatable control members, utilizing a diaphragm with a flexible material and a support member for efficient water flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push button control is implemented using known methods, then flow control is achieved, but high input forces and stroke lengths are required making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical actuation with a diaphragm-based pressure actuation system. The push button controls a valve that modulates water pressure to actuate the diaphragm, which in turn operates the flow control. This substitution of direct mechanical force with fluid pressure actuation reduces the input force and stroke length required from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing water pressure itself to actuate the flow control mechanism. The diaphragm responds to pressure differentials created by modulating the water supply pressure, converting the control action into hydraulic actuation that moves the valve components with minimal user effort.
2Device complexity
If a single rotatable control member is used for temperature and flow control, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of temperature and flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control functions into separate independent control members: a rotatable control for temperature adjustment and a push button control for flow adjustment. This segmentation allows each control to be optimized for its specific function and enables independent operation without interfering with the other control parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control where the push button can be pressed at any position of the rotatable control to independently adjust flow rate without changing the temperature setting. This dynamic independence allows flexible adaptation to user needs where temperature and flow may need to be adjusted at different times or simultaneously.
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
Enables easy flow control with reduced operational force and independent control of temperature and flow, improving user experience by allowing push-button operation with reduced effort and maintaining independent functionality of control members.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm valve is provided to control flow of water from the thermostatic cartridge outlet to a mixer valve outlet
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm valve member comprises a flexible diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer valve (1) comprises a body (5) extending in a first direction between a front end and a rear end. The body (5) defines a volume (5a); a thermostatic cartridge (15) is received in the volume (5a), and a diaphragm valve (21) is received in the volume (5a) between the thermostatic cartridge (15) and the rear end of the body (5). The diaphragm valve (21) is operable in response to actuation of a push operated control member (23) to control flow of water from the mixer valve (1).