Thermostatic Mixing Valve With Nested Spindles for Mode Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic mixing valves lack the ability to operate in both temperature control and thermal disinfection modes without risking unintentional changes in spindle position due to the absence of a spring element, and they cannot adjust the mixing temperature setting in the field.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic mixing valve design with a first spindle for setting the mixing temperature and a second spindle for selecting operation modes, allowing for temperature control and thermal disinfection operations, without the need for additional spring elements, and enabling field-adjustable temperature settings through a locking mechanism or handle, ensuring stable spindle positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gripping mechanical key is used to select operation modes and adjust temperature settings, then the valve can operate in both temperature control and thermal disinfection modes, but the position of the spindle may be changed unintentionally and additional spring elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The setting mechanism is divided into two independent spindles: a first spindle for temperature control mode and a second spindle for thermal disinfection mode. Each spindle operates independently within its own threaded opening, preventing unintentional position changes while maintaining versatility across different operation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The second spindle is positioned within the threaded opening of the first spindle, creating a nested structure. This allows both spindles to coexist in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent functionality, eliminating the need for additional spring elements and preventing accidental position changes
2Ease of manufacture
If the mixing temperature setting is fixed at the factory, then the valve structure is simplified, but the valve cannot be adjusted in the field to meet different temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The first spindle is designed to be rotatable within its threaded opening, allowing the mixing temperature setting to be dynamically adjusted in the field. The rotational movement of the first spindle changes the preloading force on the thermal element, thereby adjusting the mixing temperature according to actual requirements while maintaining a simple valve structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional spring element is added to enable mode selection, then the valve can switch between operation modes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second spindle serves multiple functions: it selects the thermal disinfection operation mode, adjusts the disinfection temperature setting, and integrates into the existing valve structure without requiring additional spring elements. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining operational versatility
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
The design provides a simple and reliable operation with minimized risk of unintentional spindle position changes, allowing for stable temperature control and disinfection modes, and enabling adjustable temperature settings as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal element and a spring element, wherein the tubular element, the thermal element and the spring element of the valve insert control together the mixing ratio
Data Source
AI summary
Thermostatic mixing valve (10) comprising a housing (11), the housing comprising a first inlet port (12) for water having a first temperature, a second inlet port (13) for water having a second temperature, and an outlet port (14) for mixed water having a mixing temperature depending on a mixing ratio of the water having the first temperature and of the water having the second temperature. The thermostatic mixing valve further comprises a valve insert (15) positioned within the housing (11), wherein the valve insert has a tubular element (16), a thermal element (17) and a spring element (18), wherein the tubular element (16), the thermal element (17) and the spring element (18) control together the mixing ratio of the mixed water such that an actual value of the mixing temperature corresponds to a nominal value of the mixing temperature. The thermostatic mixing valve further comprises a first setting unit (19) having a first spindle (21) and being configured to set the nominal value of the mixing temperature. The thermostatic mixing valve further comprises a second setting unit (20) having a second spindle (22) and being configured to select an operation mode of the thermostatic mixing valve, wherein the second spindle (22) is guided within the first spindle (21), and wherein the second spindle (22) is configured to provide a linear movement of the second spindle (22) relative to the first spindle (21) when rotating the second spindle (22) relative to the first spindle (21) in order to select either a first operation mode or a second operation mode for the thermostatic mixing valve.