Mixer Valve Cartridge Structure for Durable Water Flow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixer valves face challenges in reducing water consumption effectively due to ease of removal or deactivation of existing water-saving mechanisms, limited durability, and performance decline from debris, while also requiring significant investment and process changes for new products.
Innovation Solution
A single control mixer valve structure with a modified mobile-disk holder and mobile disk that reduces water flow by varying the mixing opening area through cavities and separation walls, ensuring durability and interchangeability, and allowing for standardized manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional water-saving mechanisms (click clack system, fixed limitation, aerators, flow-reduction valves) are added to mixer valves, then water consumption is reduced, but the mechanisms can be easily removed or deactivated by users, have limited duration, or are subject to performance decline due to debris
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the water-saving function directly into the cartridge structure by integrating a flow-reduction element within the cartridge body itself, rather than adding separate removable components. This integration ensures the water-saving mechanism cannot be easily removed or deactivated, while the ceramic disk design resists debris clogging, simultaneously achieving water conservation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a specifically designed flow-reduction element as an intermediary component within the cartridge that mediates between the incoming water flow and the outlet. This element is positioned and designed to work with the ceramic disk system, reducing flow while maintaining compatibility with the existing cartridge architecture and resisting interference from water debris.
2Loss of substance
If a new mixer valve with reduced flow rate is created, then water consumption is reduced, but this entails modification in production processes and non-interchangeability on existing products, requiring considerable investments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the flow-reduction element to be compatible with existing cartridge standards and dimensions, allowing it to function within the universal cartridge platform used across multiple product lines. This approach enables water-saving functionality to be added without requiring complete redesign of production processes or sacrificing interchangeability, thereby reducing manufacturing investment while achieving flow reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the entire cartridge structure or valve body, the invention applies local quality changes by introducing a flow-reduction element only in the specific region where flow control is needed within the cartridge. This localized modification minimizes impact on existing manufacturing processes while achieving the desired water-saving effect.
3Loss of substance
If the mixing opening area is reduced to limit water delivery, then water consumption is reduced, but this may affect the mixing performance and flow control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic control mechanism where the flow-reduction element works in conjunction with the movable ceramic disk to provide adjustable flow control. Although the mixing opening area is reduced for water-saving purposes, the dynamic positioning capability of the ceramic disk allows users to adjust flow rates as needed, maintaining operational flexibility despite the reduced baseline delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the flow path by reducing the mixing opening area while maintaining the ability to vary flow control parameters through the ceramic disk positioning. This allows the system to operate at lower baseline flow rates for water conservation while still providing adjustable flow control capability when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A single control mixer valve structure for taps and fittings comprising a fixed disk provided with an outlet port and two ports, respectively, one for the hot water and the other for the cold water that come from two inlet openings, formed in a base, mounted in which is the fixed disk on which a mobile disk mounted in a mobile-disk holder is able to slide; the mobile-disk holder and the mobile disk define a mixing opening, which is adapted to connect the inlet openings with an outlet opening, formed in the base, in a position corresponding to the outlet hole on the fixed disk, from which the mixed water flows out; sliding of the mobile disk on the fixed disk causes partial opening or complete closing of one or both of the ports of the fixed disk, thus adjusting the amount of hot water and cold water that passes from the inlet openings to the outlet opening for the mixed water; the mixer valve structure is characterised in that the mobile-disk holder has, on the side facing the fixed disk, a body that is closed or is provided with one or more cavities and is configured so as to reduce the useful area of passage of the mixing opening.