Modular Thermostatic Mixing Valve for Compact Partition Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary thermostatic mixing valves are bulky and require significant architectural changes for modifications in flow members, making them costly and impractical for embedding in partitions.

Innovation Solution

A modular thermostatic mixing valve design using lower, intermediate, and upper baseplates with axial and transverse water inlets and outlets, incorporating a thermostatic cartridge and flow members, which allows for a compact and modular structure with interchangeable baseplates and non-return valves, facilitating easy integration into partitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional mixing valve body architecture is used, then the valve can accommodate thermostatic cartridge and flow members, but the valve becomes bulky and difficult to embed in partitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve body volumeVSAvoidembedding ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is segmented into three separate baseplates (lower, intermediate, and upper) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each baseplate to be optimized for specific functions and enables a more compact overall configuration that is easier to embed in partitions while still accommodating all necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the body architecture is designed to accommodate specific flow members, then the valve functions properly, but any modification in number or type of flow members requires complete review of body architecture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow member configurabilityVSAvoidbody architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the body into modular baseplates, the system becomes adaptable to different flow member configurations without requiring complete redesign. The standardized interfaces between baseplates allow flexible arrangement of flow members while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate assembly creates a universal platform that can accommodate various types and numbers of flow members through standardized mounting interfaces, eliminating the need for custom architecture designs for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact valve design is pursued, then embedding in partitions becomes feasible, but manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve body volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the valve body into separate baseplates actually simplifies manufacturing compared to creating a single complex compact housing. Each baseplate can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together to form the compact final product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nested arrangement of components within the multi-baseplate structure achieves compactness without sacrificing manufacturability, as each baseplate serves multiple functions and houses various components in an organized manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 achieves a compact, practical, and economical solution that is easy to manufacture and allows for modular adjustments in flow members, reducing weight and cost while maintaining thermal insulation and ease of installation.

Implementation Method 1

The mixing valve then incorporates one or a plurality of flow members, to which the mixed water coming out of the thermostatic cartridge is sent and which allow the user to control or even adjust the flow of mixed water coming out of the mixing valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermostatic regulation:

Implementation Method 2

are, at the upper face of the intermediate baseplate, abutted against the hot and cold water inlets, respectively, of the thermostatic cartridge, and are each internally fitted with a non-return valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-return valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12449829B2Thermostatic mixing valve for sanitary purposes and modular assembly comprising one such mixing valve

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 VERNET SA

AI summary

A mixing valve comprising lower, intermediate and upper baseplates stacked along an assembly axis, a thermostatic cartridge and one or more flow members, which is actuatable from the upper face of the upper baseplate. The cartridge is provided with axial hot-water and cold-water inlets, and a mixed water outlet that is transverse to the assembly axis. Each flow member has a mixed water inlet that is transverse to the assembly axis and at least one mixed water outlet. The intermediate baseplate delimits ducts for supplying cold water and hot water, which ducts are respectively connected to the hot-water and cold-water inlet ducts of the lower baseplate and to the hot-water and cold-water inlets of the cartridge, which ducts are each internally provided with a non-return valve. The upper face of the intermediate baseplate and the lower face of the upper baseplate jointly delimit a duct for receiving the mixed water, which duct transversely extends to the assembly axis so as to be connected to the mixed water outlet of the cartridge and the mixed water inlet of each member.