Single Control Lever Mixing Cartridge with Side Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small-size mixing cartridges for single lever controlled faucets face limitations in water delivery flow rate and reliability, particularly in European applications where they are used in hydraulic products with low delivery flow rates and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A high performance single control lever mixing cartridge design featuring side windows for increased displacement of the top movable plate, a triangular contoured movable plate with convex sides, and a bottom fixed plate with slots for enhanced sealing, along with a water circulation system that allows water to exit at a higher height, enabling improved hydraulic performance and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small-size cartridges (25-30mm diameter) are used to reduce faucet size, then the faucet dimensions are reduced, but the water delivery flow rate and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holding body is divided into multiple chambers separated by partitions, with side windows allowing water to circulate between chambers. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each chamber's function while maintaining compact overall dimensions, resolving the contradiction between small size and adequate flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension by incorporating side windows that allow water circulation perpendicular to the main flow direction. This three-dimensional water path optimization enables sufficient flow rate within a reduced cartridge volume, addressing both size reduction and flow rate requirements
2Ease of operation
If the top movable plate displacement is increased to improve mixing performance, then the mixing capability is enhanced, but the cartridge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The driving member is integrated directly with the top movable plate, eliminating the need for separate transmission mechanisms. This merging allows the plate itself to perform the mixing function through its displacement, enhancing mixing performance while keeping the structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The top movable plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mixing element and the driving element for water flow control. This multi-functionality enables improved mixing performance without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased structural complexity
3Productivity
If side windows are added to allow water circulation and increase displacement, then water flow rate is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding body is segmented into chambers with side windows, where each window is a simple through-hole or recessed area. This segmentation approach allows water to circulate laterally for improved flow rate, while the windows themselves remain simple geometric features that are easy to manufacture using conventional machining or molding techniques
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 2A
AI summary
A high performance single control lever mixing cartridge, characterized in that said mixing cartridge comprises a holding body (1) housing at least a bottom fixed plate (4) and at least a top movable plate (3), with an indirect driving system including a driving member, said holding body (1) including side windows allowing the top movable plate (3) and driving member to exit said holding body (1), during its stroke on the end limits from the full hot water to the full cold water position.