Rolling Gate Diverter Spout Sealing and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diverter spouts face issues with seal leakage due to water pressure and accidental diversion caused by variable flow conditions, and aesthetic concerns with diverter placement, particularly when mounted on the spout itself.
Innovation Solution
A diverter spout design featuring a rollable gate that rolls along the intake side of a restricted aperture, assisted by water flow for sealing, with a linkage system and spring return, minimizing aesthetic disruption and assembly complexity, and utilizing a resilient material for the gate and slotted hub structures for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the diverter is mounted on the filler spout itself, then the assembly is simplified and cost is reduced, but aesthetic concerns arise and accidental contact with the diverter control becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter mechanism is nested within the filler spout housing, with the gate and carriage contained inside the spout body. The control knob is integrated into the spout assembly, creating a compact nested structure that simplifies assembly while maintaining aesthetics by hiding internal components within the spout's exterior casing
2Ease of manufacture
If the diverter control is placed adjacent the outlet of the spout, then assembly is facilitated, but aesthetic concerns arise and accidental contact with the diverter control becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter control knob is nested within the spout housing structure rather than being placed externally adjacent to the outlet. This nesting approach facilitates assembly by integrating the control into the spout body while improving aesthetics by concealing the control mechanism within the spout's exterior form
3Reliability
If a sealing ring is moved vertically into alignment with the inlet conduit to seal along a vertical surface, then sealing is achieved, but water pressure acts against the seal causing leakage and accidental diversion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the seal resist water pressure directly on a vertical surface, the invention inverts the approach by using a horizontal seal surface where water pressure assists sealing. The gate seals horizontally against the inlet conduit, allowing water pressure to push the gate against the seal rather than pushing it away, thereby improving sealing reliability and preventing accidental diversion
4Reliability
If water pressure acts against the seal, then sealing is attempted, but seal leakage occurs resulting in lower shower flow and wasted tub water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the sealing approach by orienting the seal horizontally so that water pressure assists rather than opposes sealing. This prevents seal leakage that would otherwise cause water waste through improper diversion or shower flow reduction, thereby eliminating water loss while maintaining reliable sealing function
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
The design enhances sealing efficiency, reduces sticking and wear, minimizes aesthetic impact, and allows for low-cost manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of accidental diversion.
Implementation Method 1
a rollable gate mounted on the carriage. The gate can be caused to roll along a side of the aperture to thereby facilitate control of diversion of flow between the two flow paths
Implementation Method 2
water pressure was consistently acting against the seal (not assisting it)... The gate can be caused to roll along the intake side of the aperture... assisted by water flow for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A diverter spout for alternatively supplying water to a bathtub or diverting water to a shower is provided with a rolling gate valve. The gate valve uses the force of flowing water to facilitate sealing, and there is a return spring to reset the gate valve.