Rotary Flow Control Device with Air Mixing Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for limiting fluid flow in sanitary fittings lack a simple mechanism to achieve a wide range of flow adjustments without requiring part exchange, and they often lead to calcification and contamination due to standing water.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cylindrical inlet and outlet body connected rotatably about a common axis, featuring a transverse bore and recess that form a throttle valve, allowing for adjustable flow rates between minimum and maximum values, and incorporating a mixing chamber with air suction to reduce water usage and prevent calcification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a throttle plate with inlet bore is exchanged for another with different bore diameter to set a wide range of flow restriction, then the flow adjustment range is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring part exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotatable outlet body that can be positioned at different radial positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the inlet body. This rotational movement dynamically changes the alignment between the transverse bore and longitudinal bore, thereby continuously adjusting the flow rate from minimum to maximum without requiring part exchange. The clamping device fixes the outlet body at the desired position, maintaining the selected flow rate setting.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable outlet body with transverse bore and recess is used to achieve continuous flow adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by dividing the flow control function into two separate components: the inlet body with the longitudinal bore and the rotatable outlet body with the transverse bore. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables flexible combination through rotation. The simple geometric features (cylindrical bodies, bore holes, recesses) keep individual component complexity low while achieving sophisticated overall functionality through their relative positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If water flows continuously without air mixing to maintain steady flow, then the flow stability is improved, but the water consumption increases and calcification occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the intermediary principle by introducing air as a mediator substance into the water flow through the mixing chamber. The air, drawn in through the lateral suction hole, mixes with the water stream to create a two-phase flow. This air-water mixture maintains flow stability and prevents standing water and calcification while reducing overall water consumption. The air acts as an intermediary that modifies the water flow characteristics without disrupting its steady delivery.
4Loss of substance
If a mixing chamber with air suction is added to reduce water usage, then the water consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies merging by combining the air intake function with the existing water flow path through the mixing chamber. The lateral suction hole is integrated into the outlet body, and the mixing chamber is formed within the existing cavity structure. This merging of air and water flows into a single mixed stream eliminates the need for separate air injection systems or additional mixing components, achieving water savings while minimizing 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
Enables easy adjustment of fluid flow between minimum and maximum values, reduces water consumption, and minimizes calcification and contamination by promoting water-air mixing and turbulence, allowing for continuous flow adjustment without part exchange.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is passed on in the longitudinal direction via a transverse bore and an adjoining cavity, the inlet body having a recess running in the longitudinal axis, which forms a throttle valve with the transverse bore in the outlet body
Implementation Method 2
In the mixing chamber, a further fluid is supplied to the first fluid, so that, for example, mixing and turbulence of water and air takes place
Implementation Method 3
which has at least one lateral suction hole from which another fluid, preferably outside air, can be supplied from outside the drain body
Implementation Method 4
an essentially cylindrical outlet body for the fluid, which is rotatably connected to the inlet body about a common longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for limiting the flow of a fluid, in particular the flow of water in a sanitary fitting, comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow inlet body (10) for the fluid (11), and a substantially cylindrical outlet body (12) for the fluid, which outlet body is rotatably connected to the inlet body (10) about a common longitudinal axis (34) and conveys the fluid (11) further via a transverse bore (30) and an adjoining cavity (32) in the longitudinal axis (34). A mixing chamber (42) has a lateral suction bore (44) from which a further fluid (45) can be fed in from outside the outlet body (12). A clamping device (35, 36) fixes the set radial position of the inlet body (10) and outlet body (12) relative to one another.