Temperature-Sensitive Cover Element for Sanitary Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary built-in parts lack an efficient mechanism to achieve temperature-dependent functional behavior without requiring additional adjustable elements, resulting in complex assembly and larger dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensitive cover element with a spiral or strip design, integrated into the sanitary part, which changes shape in response to temperature changes to control flow-through openings, allowing for simple temperature-sensitive functional behavior without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flow regulators are used with separate control elements, then temperature-dependent flow control can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and requires multiple parts for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover element and the temperature-sensitive control element into a single integrated component. The control element is formed as one piece with the cover element, eliminating the need for separate control elements and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining temperature-dependent flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element serves multiple functions: it covers the flow regulator openings, provides the temperature-sensitive control functionality through the integrated control element, and acts as the structural component for flow regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional adjustable elements are added to achieve temperature-dependent behavior, then functional control is improved, but the dimensions of the sanitary part increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the temperature-sensitive control element directly into the cover element, the patent eliminates the need for additional adjustable elements that would increase the volume. The control element is formed as one piece with the cover element, achieving compact dimensions while maintaining full temperature-dependent functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for flow control, then precise temperature-sensitive control can be achieved, but assembly steps increase and production becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is formed as one piece with the cover element through a single manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This integration maintains precise temperature-sensitive control functionality while significantly simplifying production and assembly.
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
This solution enables compact, efficient temperature-dependent control of flow-through openings, reducing the number of parts needed and simplifying assembly, while allowing for precise adjustment of water flow rates through temperature-induced shape changes.
Implementation Method 1
the cover element (6) consists of a temperature-sensitive control element, by means of which the cover element (6) can be changed or switched, depending on the temperature, between a state in which the flow-through opening (4) is uncovered and a state that at least partially closes the flow-through opening (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In the case of a sanitary fixture (1), it is proposed that at least one covering surface (7), by way of which at least one flow opening (4) of a flow element (3) is openable and at least partially closable in a temperature-dependent manner, be formed on a covering element (6) made of a temperature-sensitive material (cf. figure 1).