Water Pressure Controlled Mixing Valve for Precise Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing valves for faucets lack effective temperature control mechanisms that can precisely adjust water temperature using hydraulic forces to manage the proportion of hot and cold water flow, often relying on rotational positioning of ports which is less efficient and less precise.
Innovation Solution
A water pressure-controlled mixing valve system that utilizes a piston with electrically operable valves to linearly displace control ports, allowing for precise adjustment of hot and cold water proportions by solenoid operation, coupled with a temperature sensor for closed-loop feedback to maintain desired outlet water temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational positioning of ports is used to control water temperature, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotational positioning system with a hydraulic control system. A piston moves linearly within a cylinder, controlled by hydraulic pressure differentials created by solenoid valves. This substitution enables more precise control of the control ports' position relative to hot and cold water inlet ports, directly improving temperature control precision while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of standard hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic forces to move the control piston along its axis. Two solenoid valves control hydraulic pressure in two separate chambers, creating pressure differentials that drive the piston to precise positions. This hydraulic mechanism allows for fine-adjustment of the control ports' alignment with inlet ports, achieving superior temperature control precision compared to rotational mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic forces are used to control piston positioning, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the mixed water temperature and provides feedback to the control system. The controller processes this feedback signal and adjusts the solenoid valves accordingly to maintain the desired temperature. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high temperature control accuracy while automating the control process, reducing the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to be self-regulating through pressure differentials. When solenoid valves adjust the hydraulic pressure in their respective chambers, the piston automatically moves to the position where pressure forces are balanced, which corresponds to the desired control port alignment. This self-service characteristic reduces the need for additional complex positioning mechanisms or continuous active control.
3Speed
If linear displacement of control ports is used instead of rotational positioning, then the responsiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional segments: a piston segmented into hot and cold water control chambers, two independent solenoid valves controlling separate hydraulic chambers, and separately controllable hot and cold water flow paths. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced linear displacement mechanism.
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
Enables precise temperature control of outlet water by varying the proportion of hot and cold water through axial movement of control ports, improving temperature accuracy and responsiveness, and incorporating scald protection features.
Implementation Method 1
A first electrically operable valve is fluidly coupled to the first control chamber, and a second electrically operable valve is fluidly coupled to the second control chamber. The first electrically operable valve is configured to control water pressure in the first water control chamber, and the second electrically operable valve is configured to control water pressure in the second water control chamber to cause sliding movement of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A water pressure controlled valve including a housing and a piston slidably received within the housing. First and second water control chambers are positioned on opposite ends of the piston and are fluidly coupled to first and second water control valves, respectively. Operation of the first and second water control valves controls water pressure in the first and second water control chambers to cause sliding movement of the piston and control water supplied to a water outlet.