Universal Rough-In Valve Manifold for Back-to-Back Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rough-in valves for plumbing systems do not allow for easy back-to-back installation in large projects, as the non-symmetrical fluid outlet pathways cause hot/cold water inlets to be reversed when rotated, making it difficult to have both valves receive water from the same sides.
Innovation Solution
A valve manifold with a venturi tube and adjustable fluid mixing valve configuration that allows for 180-degree rotation, ensuring hot water is received from one side and cold water from the other, even when placed back-to-back, by using a venturi tube with a larger cross-sectional area at one end and a removably coupled fluid mixing valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-symmetrical fluid outlet pathway is used in the rough-in valve, then the valve can service tub/shower combinations with specific outlet configurations, but the hot/cold water inlets become reversed when the valve is rotated 180 degrees for back-to-back installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the rough-in valve into two separable components: a symmetrical body portion and a non-symmetrical fluid mixing valve. The symmetrical body allows for identical orientation during back-to-back installation, while the non-symmetrical mixing valve can be independently oriented to correct the hot/cold inlet alignment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by making the body symmetrical and the insert non-symmetrical, rather than making the entire valve non-symmetrical. This inversion allows the external geometry to be rotationally symmetric for easy back-to-back installation, while the internal fluid pathway remains non-symmetrical to maintain proper hot/cold water alignment.
2Device complexity
If the rough-in valve is designed with a fixed non-symmetrical outlet pathway, then the valve structure is simplified, but the valve cannot be easily rotated and repositioned for back-to-back installation without reversing water inlets
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into a simple symmetrical body and a separate non-symmetrical mixing valve insert. This segmentation allows the body to maintain structural simplicity while the insert provides the necessary adaptability for different installation configurations, including back-to-back arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetrical body design serves multiple functions: it provides a rotationally symmetric mounting structure that simplifies installation in any orientation, while accommodating different types of fluid mixing valves through the standardized cavity. This universal design enables both structural simplicity and installation versatility.
3Ease of operation
If plumbers install rough-in valves individually with separate orientation for each valve, then each valve can be optimally positioned, but installation time increases significantly in large projects requiring multiple back-to-back valves
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the symmetrical body from the non-symmetrical mixing valve, the invention allows plumbers to install multiple bodies in identical orientations simultaneously, then quickly adjust only the smaller mixing valve inserts to achieve proper hot/cold alignment, significantly reducing total installation time compared to orienting entire complex valves individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetrical body is pre-designed with identical mounting interfaces and outlet orientations, allowing multiple bodies to be pre-positioned in their final locations with correct external alignment. The fluid mixing valves are then inserted and oriented to achieve proper water inlet alignment, separating the positioning task from the orientation task and reducing installation time.
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 efficient and symmetrical installation of rough-in valves back-to-back, allowing both to receive hot and cold water from the same sides, simplifying plumbing installations in large projects like hotels and apartment buildings.
Implementation Method 1
the manifold comprises a venturi tube comprising a first section and a second section; the venturi tube first section has a larger cross-sectional area than the second section
Data Source
AI summary
A valve manifold for a universal rough-in valve, the manifold comprising a first inlet; a second inlet; a first outlet; a second outlet; a cavity to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first inlet; a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first outlet; a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second outlet; wherein the manifold comprises a venturi tube extending from the second manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold is configured to be removably disposed in a rough-in valve chamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.