Pipeline Valve Switching Assembly for Low-Force Outlet Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline valves require a significantly large force to operate, making it difficult for some individuals to consistently switch between outlets, such as between a bathtub and a showerhead, thereby reducing their utility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline valve design that includes a valve body with a water stopping member and a switching assembly, allowing for easy operation by a person to adjust the flow of water through rotation, enabling efficient switching between outlets with a small force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional valve design with a propelling device is used, then the valve can switch between discharge positions, but a significantly large force is required to actuate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple receiving holes, each with its own plugging assembly that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the switching action to be distributed across multiple smaller, easier-to-actuate components rather than requiring a single large force application point.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugging assembly acts as an intermediary between the control lever and the water flow path. The control lever operates the plugging assembly, which in turn blocks or opens water passing holes in the water stopping member. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the operator's input force and translates it into effective flow control.
2Reliability
If a control lever is used to actuate the valve, then switching between outlets is possible, but the significantly large force required reduces consistency of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The plugging assembly is designed to be self-contained within each receiving hole, with the plugable component able to block water passing holes through simple rotational movement. The design allows the valve to maintain its position reliably once actuated, with the plugging assembly self-locking into place to ensure consistent operation across multiple uses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switching valve is provided in the bathtub or showerhead, then outlet switching is enabled, but the complex structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can control multiple outlets through a single integrated structure. The water stopping member with multiple water passing holes and multiple receiving holes for plugging assemblies allows one valve body to perform the function of multiple separate valves, simplifying the overall system while maintaining outlet switching capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an adjustable pipeline valve for changing and/or switching the discharge water flow path. The pipeline valve includes: a valve body; an inlet in communication with the valve body; and at least one outlet in communication with the valve body. The pipeline valve further includes: a water stopping member located within a chamber of the valve body and preventing direct communication between the inlet and the at least one outlet; a plugging assembly located in at least one receiving hole in a part of the valve body, the at least one receiving hole being in one-to-one correspondence with at least one water passing hole in the water stopping member; and a switching assembly 17 configured to allow the plugging assembly to block a corresponding water passing hole by a rotation of the switching assembly 17 to switch the communication between the inlet and the at least one outlet.