Mixing Valve Dual Flow Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing valves for faucets can only control the temperature of water by adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water, but not the outlet water flow rate, requiring additional components for flow rate control.
Innovation Solution
A mixing valve design featuring a first and second flow control member with a flow control channel that includes multiple flow control portions, allowing rotation to align with inlet ports to control fluid flow rates, enabling both temperature and flow rate adjustments through a single mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single cycling valve is used to control mixing ratio, then temperature control is achieved, but flow rate control is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single cycling valve that performs both temperature control and flow rate control. The valve incorporates multiple flow control channels (first and second hot water flow control channels, first and second cold water flow control channels) within one valve body, allowing it to simultaneously regulate mixing ratio for temperature adjustment and control overall flow rate through coordinated operation of these channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow control function into multiple independent flow control channels within the single valve. Each channel (first hot water, second hot water, first cold water, second cold water) can be independently controlled by corresponding flow control members, allowing separate adjustment of hot and cold water flows to achieve both temperature and flow rate control objectives.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second cycling valve or adjustable flow restriction device is added for flow rate control, then flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single cycling valve assembly. Instead of using separate valves for temperature control and flow rate control, the invention integrates hot water flow control channels, cold water flow control channels, and their respective flow control members into one unified valve structure, thereby reducing component count while maintaining both temperature and flow rate control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing valve for use with a faucet. The mixing valve includes a rotatable flow control member having a flow control channel with circumferentially space flow control portions for controlling temperature and flow rate of outlet water.