Modular Shut-off Valve with Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves require multiple manufacturing variations and high assembly effort due to different actuation methods, and they often fail to prevent uncontrolled fluid leakage, especially in hand shower systems where dirty water can contaminate the drinking water supply.
Innovation Solution
A modular shut-off valve design with two housing parts that can be easily connected and locked, featuring a magnetically coupled actuating mechanism converting pivoting movements into linear movements, ensuring a liquid-tight seal and low assembly effort, and incorporating a swivel arm with a conversion mechanism and adjustable restoring force for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manufacturing variations are created to accommodate different actuation methods, then adaptability to various applications is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different actuation methods (manual, automatic, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) through a standardized actuating mechanism interface. This allows a single valve body design to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring separate manufacturing variations for each actuation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve is divided into modular components including a standardized valve body and separate actuating mechanisms. This segmentation allows the actuating mechanisms to be independently selected and attached based on specific application requirements, while the valve body remains consistent, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with two housing parts is used, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second housing parts are designed to be connected in a merged, integrated structure that forms a complete valve assembly. The connection interface incorporates sealing elements and positioning features that are integrated into the housing parts themselves, eliminating the need for separate complex connection components and simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are pre-designed with integrated sealing surfaces, positioning ribs, and connection interfaces during the manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation of connection features ensures that assembly requires minimal additional steps and reduces the complexity of field assembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic coupling mechanism is used to convert pivoting movement into linear movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces traditional mechanical linkages, gears, or cam systems that would otherwise be required to convert pivoting movement of the actuating arm into linear movement of the actuating slide. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while providing efficient movement conversion through magnetic field interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary between the actuating arm and the actuating slide, transferring motion and force without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary magnetic field enables smooth, frictionless actuation while simplifying the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components.
4Reliability
If the guide pin protrudes over the partition wall for liquid-tight separation, then reliability of sealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is designed to protrude through the partition wall and is nested within a sealing structure that is integrated into the housing. This nested arrangement allows the guide pin to maintain its protruding position for reliable sealing while being contained within a protective sealing envelope, thereby reducing the need for additional separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing element or film is employed around the guide pin protrusion to create a liquid-tight seal. This flexible sealing approach accommodates the protruding guide pin while maintaining sealing integrity, simplifying the overall sealing structure compared to rigid multi-component sealing systems.
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 modular design allows for efficient conversion of actuating movements into linear movements, maintaining a secure closed position until deliberate actuation, reducing assembly complexity and preventing uncontrolled fluid leakage, thus ensuring reliable operation across various hand shower installations.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating mechanism and the actuating slide being magnetically coupled to one another in a drive connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a shut-off valve (1) comprising a valve housing that can be inserted into a fluid line, and a through-flow opening (7) provided in the valve housing and bordering a valve seat (8), said valve seat being sealed by a valve seal (9) in a closed position of the shut-off valve (1), and comprising an actuation slider (5) which is directed such that it can move in the valve housing in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and which is in a drive connection with an actuation mechanism, said actuation mechanism converting a rotational, linear or swivelling movement exerted on an actuation arm into a linear movement on the actuation slider (5). The shut-off valve (1) according to the invention is characterised in that: the valve housing has at least two housing parts (2, 3) that can be joined to one another; the through-flow opening (7) bordering the valve seat (8), the valve seal (9) and the actuation slider (5) are provided in a first housing part (2); the actuation mechanism is arranged in a second housing part (3) together with the actuation arm; and the actuation mechanism and the actuation slider (5) are mechanically or magnetically coupled to one another in a drive connection.