Plumbing Valve Push-Push Switching for Intermediate Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary valves lack the ability to achieve intermediate switching positions between fully open and fully closed, limiting their performance and water-saving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A push-push mechanism is integrated into the sanitary valve, allowing the valve tappet to switch between at least three positions, including intermediate positions, by using a mechanical guide that enables cyclical changes with repeated actuation, and a flow rate regulator is added downstream of the main valve to set a desired upper flow limit independently of pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional sanitary valve with a main valve and pilot valve is used, then the valve can be actuated with low force and soft switching behavior, but only two switching positions (fully open and fully closed) are available
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve's valve tappet is segmented into multiple discrete positions (at least three: fully open, intermediate, and fully closed) through the push-push mechanism. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve multiple switching positions while maintaining the simple membrane actuation principle, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-push mechanism introduces dynamic switching capability to the previously static two-position valve. The valve tappet can now be dynamically positioned at multiple discrete locations along its travel path, enabling intermediate throttle positions while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the guide-based switching system.
2Loss of substance
If intermediate switching positions are added to enable water-saving modes, then water-saving behavior can be implemented, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The push-push mechanism acts as an intermediary device that translates simple actuator input into multiple discrete valve positions. This intermediary mechanism enables water-saving intermediate positions without requiring complex control systems, maintaining actuation simplicity while achieving the desired water consumption reduction through graduated throttle openings.
3Ease of operation
If the valve tappet is connected to a push-push mechanism with multiple switching positions, then intermediate positions can be achieved, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The push-push mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through its guide-based system. The guide automatically directs the valve tappet to the correct discrete positions based on the actuation input, eliminating the need for complex control logic or multiple separate actuators. The mechanism serves itself by using the guide geometry to enforce proper positioning, maintaining ease of operation despite increased structural complexity.
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
This configuration enhances performance by allowing for finely tuned water-saving behavior through graduated throttle opening cross sections and ensures reliable closure of the main valve, while the flow rate regulator allows for compliance with legal requirements by setting a target flow rate independently of pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a movable membrane (4) which closes a valve seat (11) when a pressure chamber (15) is filled and releases the valve seat (11) when the pressure chamber (15) is relieved
Implementation Method 2
A push-push mechanism is characterized in that a mechanical guide forces a preferably cyclical change between the switching states that can be achieved by repeated, identical actuation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a plumbing valve (1) in which a movable diaphragm (4) of a main valve (3) is controlled using a push-push mechanism (8) defining at least three discrete switching positions of the main valve (3) controlled by means of a pilot valve (6), and/or a flow rate controller (34), which can be adjusted preferably by the push-push mechanism (8), is permanently connected downstream of the main valve (3).