Pneumatic Control Valve for Sanitary Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary facility control devices require both compressed air and vacuum, as well as electrical energy, making them complex and difficult to install, especially in applications like rail vehicles where space and energy constraints are significant.
Innovation Solution
A control valve device that uses a compressed air valve unit to manage both the supply and vacuum needs, eliminating the need for an external vacuum source and electrical energy by utilizing a single compressed air source to control the operation of the sanitary facility, with a valve housing divided into three chambers separated by seals that are actuated by a valve tappet to control the flow of water and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically actuated valve units with electronic control are used to control compressed air and vacuum sources, then the conveying effects for fresh water, flushing water, and waste water can be achieved, but the connection becomes complex and requires both compressed air, vacuum, and electrical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electronic control unit and electrical energy requirement from the system. By using a mechanically actuated valve with pneumatic control, the system removes the need for electrical components while maintaining reliable control of water conveyance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve unit performs multiple functions: it controls both compressed air supply and vacuum generation, manages water flow directions, and provides mechanical-to-pneumatic actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining system reliability.
2Productivity
If both compressed air source and vacuum source with electrical control are provided, then the desired conveying effects can be achieved, but the installation becomes complex particularly for vehicles such as rail vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the control of compressed air supply and vacuum generation into a single mechanically actuated valve unit. This consolidation maintains the ability to convey water efficiently while dramatically simplifying installation by requiring only a single compressed air source instead of multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles to control the valve operation, replacing electrical actuation with pneumatic pressure control. This approach maintains productive water conveyance while simplifying installation by eliminating electrical infrastructure requirements.
3Ease of operation
If electrically actuated valve units are used for controlling compressed air and vacuum, then precise control of conveying processes is achieved, but the system requires electrical energy and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrical actuation system with a mechanically actuated valve controlled by pneumatic pressure. This substitution maintains precise control over water conveyance processes while eliminating electrical energy consumption, using only mechanical and pneumatic energy.
4Device complexity
If a single compressed air source is used to control both compressed air supply and vacuum generation, then the connection is simplified, but the valve control mechanism becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed to be self-actuating through pneumatic pressure differentials. The valve automatically responds to pressure changes in the system, eliminating the need for external electrical control signals. This self-service mechanism simplifies connections while maintaining high reliability through passive, failure-resistant operation.
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
Simplifies the installation and operation of sanitary facilities by relying solely on compressed air, enabling reliable control of fresh water, flushing water, and waste water conveyance without the need for external vacuum or electrical energy, reducing infrastructural requirements and enhancing robustness in connection interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber (11) which is connected to a first vacuum line connection (12) for connecting a vacuum line (12a)
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate chamber (14), which is connected to a second vacuum line connection (15) for connecting a second vacuum line (15a), and an ambient pressure chamber (17), which is connected to the environment by means of a ventilation opening (18)
Implementation Method 3
a compressed air valve unit (80) coupled to the valve tappet (20), which has a valve body (61) that blocks a compressed air inlet (83) from a compressed air outlet (84) when the valve tappet is in the first position and releases a connection between the compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet when the valve tappet is in the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a control valve device (1) for controlling a sanitary device, comprising a valve housing (10), which comprises a vacuum chamber (11) with a first vacuum line connection (12), an intermediate chamber (14) with a second vacuum line connection (15), and an ambient pressure chamber (16) with a ventilation opening, and comprising a manually movable valve lifter (20) which seals the vacuum chamber (11) from the intermediate chamber (14) and releases a connection between the intermediate chamber (14) and the ambient pressure chamber (16) in a first position and releases a connection between the vacuum chamber (11) and the intermediate chamber (14) and seals the intermediate chamber from the ambient pressure chamber (17) in a second position. According to the invention, a compressed air valve unit which is coupled to the valve lifter (20) is provided with a valve body which blocks a compressed air inlet (60) from a compressed air outlet (84) in the first position of the valve lifter (20) and which releases a connection between the compressed air inlet (83) and the compressed air outlet (84) in the second position of the valve lifter (20).