Integrated Push-Button Diverter Valve Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Push-button flow diverter valves for tub/shower applications often require separate diverter components, increasing costs and complexity, and do not allow for independent shut-off of water supply at the shower valve, complicating installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A shower valve assembly incorporating a valve body with a mixing valve cartridge for temperature and flow control, and a diverter valve cartridge with a push-button mechanism, poppet valve, and check valve system, allowing for fluid communication between two outlet ports and enabling independent shut-off of water supply at the shower valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate diverter rough and trim are used, then the diverter valve can be installed independently, but the cost increases and installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diverter valve and mixing valve into a single integrated valve assembly. The diverter cartridge and mixing cartridge share a common valve body and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate diverter rough and trim components. This integration reduces part count, lowers manufacturing costs, and simplifies installation while maintaining independent functionality of both diverter and mixing operations.
2Productivity
If the diverter valve is incorporated into the main valve, then separate diverter components are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly is divided into distinct functional cartridges - a diverter cartridge with push-button actuator and a mixing cartridge with handle actuator. Each cartridge is a self-contained module that can be manufactured, tested, and replaced independently. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and maintenance despite the integrated design, as each cartridge can be serviced separately within the shared valve body.
3Ease of operation
If water shut-off is not available at the shower valve, then the valve structure can be simpler, but water supply cannot be independently shut off for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly incorporates multiple functions within a single unit: temperature mixing, flow diversion, and independent water shut-off. The valve body includes integrated supply stops that allow water to be shut off at the shower valve location rather than requiring shut-off at the whole structure. This multi-functionality enables independent servicing of the shower valve without affecting other water supplies in the building.
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 tub spout design, reduces costs by integrating the diverter valve, and allows for efficient water supply management by enabling independent shut-off at the shower valve, improving installation efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably coupled to the second end of the valve stem and configured to bias the first seal toward the first outlet valve seat
Implementation Method 2
A check valve is operably coupled to the poppet valve, the check valve including a movable valve member received within the internal chamber of the poppet valve body
Implementation Method 3
a first seal selectively engageable with the first outlet valve seat, a second seal in axially spaced relation to the first seal and selectively engageable with the second outlet valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A shower valve assembly configured to divert water between a tub port and a shower port. The diverter valve assembly position or state is changed by pushing a button connected to a stem and a poppet valve. When the water supply is turned off, a poppet spring shifts the poppet valve to a tub open position, and a check valve spring opens a check valve, allowing water from the shower port to flow out of the tub port.