Dual-Control Outlet Valve Without Switching Valve Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water valves are complex in structure and difficult to control due to the need for dual waterways and mechanical switching mechanisms, which are cumbersome and inefficient, especially when solenoid valves fail.
Innovation Solution
An outlet valve design featuring a valve body with a solenoid valve and manual operating member, incorporating a waterproof membrane and plugs to control water flow without requiring mechanical action for switching, simplifying the structure and control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double waterway switching mode is used with solenoid valve and mechanical valve, then the valve can continue to function when one control mechanism fails, but the structure becomes complex requiring two waterways and a special switching valve core
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solenoid valve and manual operating member into a single integrated valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms. The first and second waterways are merged into one unified waterway system that can be controlled by either the solenoid valve or manual operating member, reducing structural complexity while maintaining redundancy for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same waterway structure to be controlled by both automatic (solenoid valve) and manual operating members. This universal design enables the valve to function reliably through multiple control paths without requiring duplicate waterway systems or specialized switching components.
2Ease of operation
If a special switching valve core is arranged between two waterways, then switching control is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the special switching valve core from the design. Instead of using a complex switching mechanism, the invention directly connects the solenoid valve and manual operating member to the waterway system, allowing each control mechanism to independently manage water flow without requiring an intermediate switching component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching valve core with a simplified control architecture where the solenoid valve (electromagnetic actuation) and manual operating member directly control water flow through the unified waterway. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical switching while maintaining effective control functionality.
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 allows for efficient solenoid and manual control of water flow, maintaining valve functionality even when the solenoid valve fails, with a simplified structure that eliminates the need for dual waterways, making it easier to use and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof membrane, configured to hermetically separate the water outlet cavity from the water storage cavity
Implementation Method 2
a first plug coupled to an output end of the solenoid valve. The first plug is configured to control the opening and closing of the first drain opening
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet valve includes a valve body, a solenoid valve, and a manual operating member. The valve body includes a water inlet, a water outlet, a water storage cavity, a drain waterway, a first waterway, a second waterway, and a waterproof membrane. The first waterway is coupled to the drain waterway through a first drain opening. The second waterway is coupled to the drain waterway through a second drain opening. The waterproof membrane is configured to separate the water outlet cavity from the water storage cavity. The first waterway comprises a first plug coupled to an output end of the solenoid valve. The first plug is configured to control the opening and closing of the first drain opening. The second waterway comprises a second plug coupled to the manual operating member. The second plug is configured to control the opening and closing of the second drain opening.