Motorized Diverter Valve Assembly for Stable Outlet Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diverter valve assemblies in ablutionary and plumbing systems often disrupt fluid flow rates when switching between outlets, leading to inconsistent delivery of water temperature and flow, and lack flexibility in managing multiple fluid paths efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A diverter valve assembly with a stepper motor-driven diverter valve member that moves linearly between two end points, allowing seamless switching between fluid flow paths while maintaining consistent flow rates and enabling partial or full opening of multiple outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional diverter valve assembly is used to switch between outlets, then the valve can change fluid flow paths, but the flow rate becomes disrupted and inconsistent delivery of water temperature and flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motorized diverter valve member that can dynamically adjust its position along a linear path between first and second endpoints. This dynamic positioning capability allows the valve to precisely control flow distribution between outlets, maintaining consistent flow rates while enabling flexible switching. The motor-driven mechanism provides controlled, incremental adjustment rather than abrupt switching, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is coupled to the diverter valve member to drive linear movement, then flexible switching between outlets is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex traditional valve actuation mechanisms with a motor-driven linear movement system. The motor couples directly to the diverter valve member to produce linear motion between endpoints, eliminating the need for complex linkages, cams, or manual adjustment mechanisms. This substitution simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining flexible switching capability, addressing the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A diverter valve assembly is provided, including a diverter valve chamber, an inlet to the diverter valve chamber, a first outlet, a second outlet, a first fluid flow path from the inlet to the first outlet, a second fluid flow path from the inlet to the second outlet, a diverter valve member, and a motor coupled to the diverter valve member. The motor drives movement of the diverter valve member within the valve chamber between a first end point and a second end point located further from the motor than the first end point. When the diverter valve member is at the first end point the second fluid flow path is open and the first fluid flow path is closed. When the diverter valve member is at the second end point the second fluid flow path is closed and the first fluid flow path is open.