Sanitary Valve Cyclic Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sanitary valves require complex actuation mechanisms and can be difficult to operate, especially with wet or soapy hands, and may suffer from wear and tear due to incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary valve design that combines a stroke movement with a rotary movement, allowing for cyclical switching without the need for end positions, featuring a valve closing body that is lifted off and lowered onto a valve seat, with an indexing device using inclined surfaces and potentially assisted by water flow through a turbine, enabling easy switching between outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lever or button actuation mechanisms are used, then the valve can be operated to switch outlets, but the operation becomes difficult with wet or soapy hands and wear and tear occurs due to incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lever or button actuation system with a cardan suspension mechanism that enables cyclic continuous switching motion. This substitution eliminates the need for precise end-position targeting, allowing operation with wet or soapy hands while preventing wear from incorrect operation since the valve element cannot strike the surface incorrectly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cyclic switching motion where the valve element continuously oscillates between positions. This periodic action allows the user to simply initiate the cyclic motion without needing to precisely position the actuator, making operation easier with wet hands and eliminating wear from incorrect positioning since the cyclic motion naturally prevents end-position strikes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lever pivoting mechanism is used for switching, then outlet switching is achieved, but the mechanism requires end positions where the valve element strikes the surface leading to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static lever pivoting mechanism into a dynamic cardan suspension system that enables continuous cyclic motion. This dynamic approach allows the valve element to smoothly transition between positions without striking the surface, eliminating wear while maintaining full switching capability between outlets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional lever pivoting mechanism with a cardan suspension-based cyclic switching mechanism. This replacement eliminates the harmful end-position strikes that cause wear while preserving the ability to switch between outlets, as the cyclic motion naturally guides the valve element through all necessary positions
3Reliability
If conventional shut-off valves are used, then outlet closure is achieved, but the design becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve element to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the closing element for shut-off and the switching element for outlet diversion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shut-off and switching mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining reliable shut-off capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shut-off function and switching function into a single integrated valve element operated by the same cardan suspension mechanism. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall valve design, reducing both complexity and space consumption while ensuring reliable outlet closure
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
The design simplifies operation, reduces wear and tear, and allows for easy switching between outlets, including the option to open or close each outlet separately or in combination, while maintaining precise control over stable positions.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (16) which presses the valve closing element (8) against the valve seat (14)
Implementation Method 2
The switching device (49) is designed to advance the valve plate (51) by 90° each time, either by the interaction of inclined surfaces or by means of the water flow. In particular, this turbine can be arranged directly on the valve closing element
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~11
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The plumbing shut-off or switching valve has a valve housing (1), where an inlet (4) is provided in the valve housing. An outlet is provided in the valve housing. A valve closing body (8) has discrete stable positions. An advancing device advances the valve closing body from a stable, discrete position into another stable, discrete position.