Sanitary Valve Actuation with Combined Push-Rotate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuation devices for sanitary valves require separate control elements for shut-off and quantity regulating/mixing functions, leading to complexity and reduced operating comfort and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A combined rotary and axially movable control element that can be moved forward to activate the first valve function and rotated to activate the second function, with an elastic biasing element and latching mechanism for self-holding positions, allowing for high comfort and reliability with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operating elements are used for shut-off and flow control/mixing functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and operating comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate operating elements (one for shut-off function and one for flow control/mixing function) into a single integrated operating element. This element can perform both axial movement (for shut-off) and rotary movement (for flow control/mixing), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through unified control
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating element is designed with multi-functionality, enabling it to control both the shut-off function and the flow control/mixing function. This universal element reduces the number of components needed while providing comprehensive valve control through two distinct modes of operation
2Ease of manufacture
If separate operating elements are used for shut-off and flow control/mixing functions, then each function has dedicated control, but the number of components increases and manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate operating elements into one integrated component that controls both valve functions. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, thereby reducing manufacturing effort and simplifying the production process
3Device complexity
If a combined rotary and axially movable operating element is used, then the number of components is reduced, but the mechanism for achieving both movements reliably becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control mechanisms for axial and rotary movements into distinct functional areas within the single operating element. The axial movement mechanism for shut-off control is separated from the rotary movement mechanism for flow control, with each having its own actuation path and control logic, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanical elements that translate the combined axial and rotary movements of the single operating element into the appropriate actuation signals for the valve's shut-off and flow control mechanisms. These intermediaries ensure reliable function separation while maintaining the benefits of a unified operating element
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
Enables easy operation of both valve functions with a single control element, enhancing user comfort and reducing manufacturing effort, while maintaining high functional reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic preload element preloads the operating element axially towards the reverse end position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
2.1. The invention relates to a valve actuation device for actuating a valve, in particular a sanitary valve, in an axial actuation movement for a first valve function, in particular a shut-off function, and in a rotary actuation movement for a second valve function, in particular a flow control or mixing function, as well as to a sanitary valve equipped with such a valve actuation device. 2.2. The valve actuation device according to the invention comprises a rotary transmission body (8), a combined rotary and axially movable operating element ( ), which has a self-holding initial position, a forward end position axially advanced relative to the initial position, and a self-holding reverse end position axially retracted relative to the initial position, wherein the first valve function is activated by forward movement into the forward end position and the second valve function is activated by rotation.An elastic preloading element (9) which axially preloads the control element in the direction of the reverse end position; a detent cam body (7) which is rotatably and axially fixedly connectable to an axial actuating part of the valve and which, offset in the direction of rotation, has a detent device (15) for holding the control element in the initial position and an axial cam (16) for releasing an axial movement of the control element into the reverse end position; and a cam guide (17) acting between the control element and the detent body for rotating the detent body when the control element is moved forward into its forward end position. 2.3. Use e.g. for sanitary flow control or mixing valves.