Sanitary Outlet Fitting With Parallel Linear Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary outlet fittings lack a compact, slim design and efficient handling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary outlet fitting with a linearly movable actuating element and parallel axes for the actuating and valve closing elements, allowing for a slim design and easy access to the actuating mechanism, combined with a recess for the actuating element that enhances usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the actuating element is arranged to be linearly movable with parallel axes to the valve closing element, then the outlet fitting can be designed to be particularly slim, but the complexity of the actuating mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet pipe body dimensionVSAvoidactuating mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element and valve closing element are merged into a single linear motion system with parallel axes, eliminating the need for separate actuating and closing mechanisms. This integration allows the outlet fitting to achieve a slim design while maintaining functional complexity through a unified actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional perpendicular or intersecting axis arrangements to a parallel axis configuration, utilizing dimensional reorientation to achieve a more compact, slim profile while preserving the necessary valve control functionality through linear motion in a optimized spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the actuating element is made accessible for manual operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the compact design is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating element accessibilityVSAvoidoutlet pipe body dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet pipe body is provided with a localized recess at the actuation position, creating an accessible area for manual operation without increasing the overall dimensions of the fitting. This local modification allows easy access to the actuating element while preserving the compact, slim design of the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating element is nested within or adjacent to the recess in the outlet pipe body, allowing it to be accessible for operation while being integrated into the compact structure. The recess provides the necessary access space without requiring the actuating element to protrude significantly from the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4692477A1Sanitary outlet fitting
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HANS GROHE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4692477A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4692477A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4692477A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

2.1. The invention relates to a sanitary outlet fitting with a fitting housing (1) comprising a longitudinally extended outlet pipe body (2), a fluid inlet (3) into the outlet pipe body (2), a first and a second outlet (4, 5) from the outlet pipe body (2), a first fluid connection (6) from the fluid inlet (3) to the first outlet (4) and a second fluid connection (7) from the fluid inlet (3) to the second outlet (5), a valve (8) with a valve closing element (9) which is linearly movable in the outlet pipe body (2) between a first and a second setting position (E1, E2) and is configured for selectively closing and opening the first and/or the second fluid connection (6, 7), and an actuating unit (10) with an actuating element (11) arranged on the outlet pipe body (2) for actuating the valve closing element (9). 2.2.According to the invention, the actuating element (11) is arranged to be linearly movable, and an axis of movement (BB) of the actuating element (11) and an axis of movement (Bv) of the valve closing element (9) run essentially parallel to each other and essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (LA) of the outlet pipe body (2). 2.3. Use, e.g., as a bathtub outlet fitting.