Rotary Handle with Adjustable Intermediate Stop for Thermostatic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic mixer taps with rotary handles face limitations in achieving fine temperature adjustments due to the need for a large turning range, which restricts the adjustment of cold or hot water flow temperatures, and require multiple handle variants for different temperature settings, leading to high production and logistics costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-part rotary handle design with a movable drag stop and adjustable intermediate stop allows for a wider rotation range between cold and hot water stops, enabling precise temperature settings without altering the handle's appearance or mixed water flow, and allows the user to signal specific temperatures through an intermediate stop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expansion elements with moderately steep characteristic curves are selected to ensure fine regulation of mixed water temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but the rotation range of the rotary handle becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the intermediate stop adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to move dynamically along the rotary handle's rotation path. This enables the intermediate stop to adapt to different temperature settings while maintaining a compact rotation range, resolving the contradiction between fine temperature control and excessive rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the intermediate stop from fixed to adjustable, allowing users to set different temperature values for the intermediate stop. This parameter change enables fine temperature regulation without requiring a large rotation range, as the intermediate stop can be positioned optimally for each application.
2Measurement precision
If the rotation range of the rotary handle is increased to allow fine temperature adjustment, then temperature control precision is improved, but the adjustment range of cold or hot water supply temperatures is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable intermediate stop allows the system to adapt to different temperature requirements dynamically. Users can reposition the intermediate stop to accommodate different cold or hot water supply temperatures while maintaining fine control capability, thus preserving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary handle with adjustable intermediate stop serves multiple functions: it provides fine temperature control, accommodates different water supply temperature ranges, and allows user customization of the intermediate temperature setting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate stop is made adjustable to signal different mixed water temperatures, then user customization is improved, but the structure of the rotary handle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate stop is designed to be adjustable along the rotation path, providing user customization capability. The adjustment mechanism integrates with the existing rotary handle structure, adding functionality without excessive complexity.
4Length of moving object
If a trailing stop is made movable along a trailing path to enable rotation beyond 360°, then rotation range is improved, but the structure of the rotary handle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing stop is made movable along a trailing path, allowing the rotary handle to rotate beyond 360° when needed. This dynamic element enables extended rotation range while maintaining a relatively simple structure through clever mechanical design.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Rotary handle (1) for a thermostatically controlled valve of a sanitary fitting (2), comprising an inner handle (3) with a lower part (4) and an upper part (5), wherein an intermediate stop (6) and a trailing stop (7) are arranged on the lower part (4), wherein the trailing stop (7) is movable in a direction of rotation (8) of the rotary handle (1) along a trailing track (9) between a cold water stop (10) and a hot water stop (11), and wherein the lower part (4) and the upper part (5) of the inner handle (3) are rotatable relative to each other for setting a mixed water temperature signaled by the intermediate stop (6) of mixed water drawn with the sanitary fitting (2).