Rotatable Sphere Valve for Accessible Water Outlet Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water outlet structures are difficult for handicapped individuals to operate due to the need to lift or release a pull bar, and they often require the inner pipe to be discarded if it is integrally formed with a sphere and pads.
Innovation Solution
A water outlet structure featuring a rotatable sphere in a valve room, operated by a toggle handle, allowing easy control of water flow and enabling the inner pipe to be connected separately to the shell, facilitating examination and assembly without the need for discarding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pull bar is used to control water flow, then the structure is simple, but handicapped people cannot operate it easily
Solution Approach 1:
The pull bar is transformed into a rotatable sphere with a toggle handle, changing from a static lifting motion to a dynamic rotational motion. The sphere can rotate 90 degrees around its axis, allowing the user to toggle between open and closed positions by rotating the handle, which is easier for handicapped individuals to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation mechanism is changed from linear lifting motion (pull bar) to rotational motion (sphere with toggle handle). By adding the rotational dimension, the operating force is reduced and the motion becomes more accessible to users with limited hand strength or dexterity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner pipe is integrally formed with the sphere and pads, then the structure is compact, but the components cannot be examined or replaced separately
Solution Approach 1:
The inner pipe is separated from the sphere and pads, allowing them to be manufactured independently and assembled later. The sphere and pads are received in the valve room of the inner pipe, creating modular components that can be examined, replaced, or repaired separately without discarding the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the components separable, the invention prevents the need to discard the entire inner pipe assembly when the sphere or pads wear out. Individual components can be recovered and replaced, reducing waste and maintenance costs.
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 convenient operation by handicapped individuals through a 90-degree rotation mechanism and allows for separate assembly and examination of components, preventing unnecessary discarding of parts.
Implementation Method 1
The sphere can be rotated by the toggling of the handle. When the sphere is gradually rotated and eventually by 90 degrees, the through hole is gradually aligned with the channel and eventually in communication with the channel coaxially.
Data Source
AI summary
A water outlet structure has an inner pipe connected to a shell. The water outlet structure is connected to a water supply pipe by a locking member. A sphere and two pads are confined in a valve room of the inner pipe. Two ends of a shaft of an operating member are connected to the sphere in the inner pipe and a valve bar. An end of the valve bar extending from the shell is connected to a cap of a handle. A toggle bar of the handle can be toggled to rotate the sphere by only 90 degrees. When the sphere is not rotated, a through hole of the sphere is not in communication with a channel of the inner pipe. When the sphere is gradually rotated and eventually by 90 degrees, the through hole is gradually aligned with the channel and in communication with the channel coaxially.