Sanitary Valve Top with Pivoting Spindle and Control Block Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper valve parts for sanitary fittings require complex mechanisms involving rotatable spindles and multiple disks to control water flow, making them cumbersome and prone to operational issues.

Innovation Solution

A simplified upper valve part design where the spindle's pivoting action controls flow through multiple passage openings, utilizing a control block that can close and open these openings with minimal displacement, facilitated by a spring-loaded mechanism and a seal for robust and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mechanisms with rotatable spindles and multiple disks are used to control water flow, then flow control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and operational reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control operationVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into functionally independent components: a head piece housing, a passage disk with fixed openings, and a movable control block with channels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for complex interconnected mechanisms while maintaining effective flow control through the interaction of these simple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the rotatable spindle mechanism from the traditional valve design. Instead of using a spindle to rotate disks for flow control, the patent uses a simple movable control block that translates linearly within the head piece, directly opening or closing passages without rotational components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional rotatable spindle mechanisms are used, then flow control is achieved, but the mechanism becomes prone to operational issues and maintenance problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control block is designed to be self-guided within the head piece through precisely fitted guide surfaces. The block automatically maintains proper alignment and sealing contact with the passage disk through its own geometry and the spring-loaded return mechanism, eliminating the need for external rotational support structures that could fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical rotational system (spindle and disk rotation) with a simpler translational mechanical system (control block movement). This substitution eliminates bearing surfaces, rotational seals, and complex linkages, resulting in a more reliable mechanism with fewer potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disks and rotatable spindles are used for flow control, then switching function is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to complex mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a seal against the passage disk, provides flow control by blocking or opening channels, and indicates valve position through its location. This multi-functionality in a single component achieves switching capability without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotatable spindle that indirectly controls flow through rotational movement of disks, the invention inverts the approach by using direct linear movement of a control block that physically opens or closes passages. This inversion simplifies the operation from complex rotational control to simple push-pull movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design allows for a straightforward, robust, and efficient control of water flow with reduced operational resistance, enhancing user experience and maintaining effective sealing, while enabling easy optical detection of the valve's position.

Implementation Method 1

A seal is arranged on the side facing the valve seat of the fitting and rests against the opening disk

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The spring element is preferably formed by a helical spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3702651B1Valve top section for sanitary fittings
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP3702651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve top for insertion into a sanitary fitting, with a head (1) in which a spindle (2) is pivotably mounted, the spindle projecting with its first end out of the head (1) and engaging with its second end via a pin (23) a control element which is in contact with a stationary passage disc (5), wherein the passage disc (5) has at least two passage openings (52, 52') and wherein the control element is designed as an actuating block (4) which is dimensioned such that at least one passage opening (52, 52') can be closed via it.