Multi-function Valve Integrating Temperature and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function valves for kitchen and bathroom applications lack integration of comprehensive on/off, temperature adjustment, and waterway switching functions, limiting their functionality and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function valve design incorporating a temperature-controlled valve core set, an on-off/switching valve core set, and a transmission mechanism, which includes a temperature adjustment rotary knob, a push switch operation assembly, and a rotation switching operation assembly, allowing for simultaneous control of water temperature, on/off functionality, and waterway switching through a transmission mechanism that adjusts the flow cross-sectional area of hot and cold water inlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used for temperature control, on/off control, and waterway switching, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature control valve core, on-off valve core, and waterway switching valve core into a single integrated valve body. The temperature-controlled operation assembly, push switch operation assembly, and rotation switching operation assembly are all mounted on the same valve body, allowing multiple functions to be controlled from a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal platform that accommodates multiple operation assemblies with different functions. The same valve body structure supports temperature regulation, on/off control, and waterway switching operations, making the device multi-functional and reducing the need for multiple separate components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used for different functions, then each valve can be optimized for its specific function, but the installation space and operation convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operation assemblies are combined on a single valve body, consolidating what would require multiple separate valves into one unit. This reduces the installation space required while maintaining all necessary control functions in one accessible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves as a universal mounting platform for all operation assemblies, allowing temperature control, on/off control, and waterway switching to be performed from a single integrated control station, improving operational convenience.
3Area of stationary object
If a single valve integrates multiple functions, then installation space and operation convenience improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve is segmented into distinct functional modules: temperature-controlled operation assembly, push switch operation assembly, and rotation switching operation assembly. Each assembly is designed and controlled independently but mounted on the same valve body, allowing modular complexity management while achieving functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body acts as an intermediary structure that hosts multiple operation assemblies. This intermediary platform allows the different functional assemblies to work together without direct complex interconnections, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining multiple functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multi-function valve, which includes a temperature-controlled valve core set (1) including a first housing and a temperature-controlled operation assembly, an on-off/switching valve core set (2) including a second housing, a push switch operation assembly and a rotation switching operation assembly, and a transmission mechanism (3). The first housing is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixed water outlet. The temperature-controlled operation assembly includes a temperature adjustment rotation rod and a temperature adjustment rotary knob (17). The second housing is provided with a mixed water inlet, a first mixed water outlet and a second mixed water outlet, and the mixed water inlet communicates with the mixed water outlet. The rotation switching operation assembly is configured to selectively open the first mixed water outlet or the second mixed water outlet. The temperature adjustment rotary knob (17) is rotatably mounted to the rotation switching operation assembly. The push switch operation assembly is configured to selectively open or close the mixed water inlet. The transmission mechanism is disposed between the temperature adjustment rotary knob (17) and the temperature adjustment rotation rod for adjusting a flow cross-sectional area of the cold water inlet and/or the hot water inlet.