Sanitary Mixing Valve Detent Control for Auto-Return Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing and shut-off valve devices lack improved functionality and structural design, particularly in the automatic return of the mixing control device to its initial position and tactile feedback during operation.
Innovation Solution
A mixing and shut-off valve device with a self-resetting device and latching mechanism, where the latching force is greater when the shut-off control is open and lesser when in the shut-off position, allowing automatic return to the first mixing end position and providing tactile feedback, combined with a rotatable mixing control device and a coil spring for restoring torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-resetting device with constant restoring force is used, then the mixing control device automatically returns to the first mixing end position, but the mixing control device cannot maintain user-set positions when the shut-off control is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detent force variable rather than constant. The detent cam unit is designed so that the detent force changes dynamically based on the position of the shut-off control device. When the shut-off control is closed, the detent force is strong to ensure automatic return. When the shut-off control is open, the detent force becomes weak to allow position maintenance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between automatic return and position maintenance capabilities.
2Reliability
If a detent device with high detent force is used, then the mixing control device is firmly held in position, but the mixing control device cannot automatically return to the first mixing end position when shut-off is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The detent cam unit creates a dynamic detent force that varies with the shut-off control position. When the shut-off control is open, the detent cam engages deeply with the detent toothed ring, providing high detent force for reliable position holding. When the shut-off control is closed, the geometry of the detent cam changes, reducing the detent force to allow the self-resetting device to return the mixing control to the first position. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between position holding stability and automatic return capability.
3Ease of operation
If the detent force is greater than the restoring force when shut-off is open, then the mixing control maintains user-set positions, but the mixing control cannot automatically return when shut-off is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic force balance through the detent cam mechanism. The cam profile is specifically designed to create different force relationships between the detent device and self-resetting device depending on the shut-off control position. When shut-off is open, the cam geometry ensures detent force exceeds restoring force for position maintenance. When shut-off is closed, the cam geometry reverses this relationship, allowing restoring force to dominate and enable automatic return. This dynamic force relationship resolves the contradiction between position maintenance and automatic return functions.
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
Ensures automatic return to the defined mixing end position when the shut-off control is activated, preventing undesirable hot water dispensing and maintaining user-set mixing positions, while offering enhanced tactile feedback and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a self-resetting device (11) which provides a restoring force for the automatic return of the mixing control device (10) to the first mixing end position
Implementation Method 2
friction effects are intended to prevent the self-resetting from occurring when the mixer lever is in the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3~8
Figure 9~13
AI summary
2.1. The invention relates to a mixing and shut-off valve device comprising a valve body (7), a valve unit with shut-off control for controlling a fluid flow rate and mixing control for controlling a fluid mixing ratio, a shut-off operating device (9), a mixing operating device (10) which is rotatable about a mixing axis of rotation (MD) between a first mixing end position and a second mixing end position, a self-resetting device which provides a restoring force for automatically resetting the mixing operating device to the first mixing end position, and a detent device which couples the mixing operating device to the valve body in a detent-like manner, wherein a detent force in the open position of the shut-off operating device is greater than and in the closed position is less than the restoring force. 2.2.In the mixing and shut-off valve device according to the invention, the shut-off control device (9) is translationally movable along a shut-off actuation direction (AR) parallel to the mixing axis of rotation (MD), and the detent cam unit comprises at least one detent cam arranged at a free end of a radially elastically compliant detent arm extending parallel to the mixing axis of rotation on the mixing control device (10), and/or the self-resetting device comprises a helical spring element supported on the valve housing body (7) and exerting a return torque on the mixing control device, the spring element being arranged with its longitudinal axis in an arc perpendicular to the mixing axis of rotation (MD) on the valve housing body (7). 2.3. Use e.g. for sanitary washbasin mixers.