Mixing Valve Torque Transmission and Adjustable Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing valves face challenges in withstanding twisting forces due to long torque transmission paths and poor load resistance, and require complex retrofitting when cold and hot water tubes are reversed, leading to increased labor and risk of mis-installation.
Innovation Solution
A mixing valve design with a valve core that reduces the torque transmission path length by using a valve shaft and stop member to directly transmit operating torque to the valve seat, and an adjustable stop member that can be easily repositioned to accommodate reversed water tubes, allowing for the same rotation direction and angle range operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating torque is transmitted through multiple components (handle, stem, stem receiver, cap, stop member) as in prior art mixing valves, then the valve can achieve complete sealing and control function, but the torque transmission path becomes long and the load resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque transmission function from the traditional multi-component path (handle-stem-stem receiver-cap-stop member) and concentrates it into a direct transmission path through the valve shaft that is integrally connected to the handle. This removes intermediate components that weaken the torque transmission, thereby improving load resistance while maintaining sealing performance through the directly connected valve plate and valve seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the handle and valve shaft into an integrally connected structure, eliminating the need for separate stem, stem receiver, and cap components that were previously required for torque transmission. This consolidation creates a stronger, more direct torque transmission path from the user's input to the valve control mechanism, significantly improving load resistance while maintaining all necessary sealing functions.
2Device complexity
If the mixing valve is designed with fixed stop member positioning as in prior art, then the valve structure is simple, but complex retrofitting is required when cold and hot water tubes are reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable stop member that can be adjusted along the valve shaft to different positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the stop member to engage with different stop surfaces depending on whether the cold and hot water tubes are in standard or reversed configuration. The adjustable design maintains simple overall structure while providing the flexibility needed for easy retrofitting without complex modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal valve design where the adjustable stop member can accommodate both standard and reversed water tube configurations using the same basic valve structure. By making the stop member repositionable, a single valve model can serve multiple installation scenarios, eliminating the need for different valve designs or complex retrofitting procedures when tube configurations change.
3Ease of manufacture
If the stop member is fixed in position, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but labor costs and mis-installation risks increase during retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable stop member that can be pre-positioned during manufacturing to different locations along the valve shaft. During installation or retrofitting, the stop member can be quickly moved to the appropriate position without requiring complex disassembly or modification of the valve body. This preliminary design flexibility simplifies the retrofitting process, reducing both labor costs and the risk of mis-installation while maintaining simple manufacturing procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention a mixing valve is provided, comprising a valve seat provided with first and second fluid conduits and a mixed fluid conduit and including a first plug-fit portion and a first mounting portion, and a valve core defining first and second stop surfaces. The valve core comprises a valve housing provided with a second plug-fit portion configured to be mated with the first plug-fit portion, a valve shaft disposed within the valve housing and provided with a valve plate comprising a first regulating aperture and a second regulating aperture, a stop member mounted on the valve shaft, the valve core defining an initial position in which the stop member engages with the first stop surface and a final position in which the stop member engages with the second stop surface, and a valve module. The mixing valve further comprises a pressing cover provided with a second mounting portion to be detachably mounted to the first mounting portion, wherein the valve core is tightly pressed between the pressing cover and the valve seat. In the present invention a valve core and a mixing valve assembly comprising such valve core are also provided.