Universal Rough-In Valve Manifold for Dual Valve Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rough-in valves for plumbing installations are limited in their ability to accommodate both pressure balance and thermostatic valves, and they often require larger faceplates and are more complex to manufacture and repair.

Innovation Solution

A universal rough-in valve design that includes a valve chamber and manifold configuration, allowing it to receive either a pressure balance valve or a thermostatic valve, with a compact footprint and simplified manufacturing and repair processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rough-in valve is designed to accommodate both pressure balance and thermostatic valves, then it can serve multiple valve types, but it requires a larger faceplate and becomes more complex to manufacture and repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both pressure balance and thermostatic valvesVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing and repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rough-in valve body is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate both pressure balance valves and thermostatic valves through the same valve chamber and inlet/outlet port arrangement. The manifold is configured with standardized inlet ports and a valve chamber that accepts either valve type, eliminating the need for different rough-in valve designs for different valve types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system is divided into separate functional components: the rough-in valve body (with valve chamber and ports), the manifold (with inlet ports and passages), and the removable valve assembly (pressure balance or thermostatic valve). This segmentation allows the rough-in valve to be simplified while maintaining versatility through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rough-in valve is designed to accommodate both pressure balance and thermostatic valves, then it can serve multiple valve types, but it requires a larger faceplate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both pressure balance and thermostatic valvesVSAvoidfaceplate size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rough-in valve body is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate both pressure balance valves and thermostatic valves through the same valve chamber and inlet/outlet port arrangement. The manifold is configured with standardized inlet ports and a valve chamber that accepts either valve type, eliminating the need for different rough-in valve designs for different valve types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold incorporates internal three-dimensional passages and transitions that allow fluid flow between inlet ports and the valve chamber in compact configurations. This spatial optimization enables a smaller overall valve body while maintaining all necessary connection points and flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12331496B2Universal rough-in valve manifold

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 AS AMERICA INC

AI summary

A universal rough-in valve (20) includes a valve chamber (34) configured to receive a valve manifold (72). The universal rough-in valve includes a first valve inlet (22) configured to provide a pathway for fluid from a first supply line to the valve chamber and a second valve inlet (24) configured to provide a pathway for fluid from a second supply line to the valve chamber. The universal rough-in valve includes a first valve outlet (29) configured to provide a pathway for fluid from the valve chamber to a first outlet line, and a valve manifold (72) coupled to the valve chamber.