Sanitary Valve Upper Part with Threaded Handle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve designs face issues with inaccurate axial positioning of the operating part due to inaccuracies during installation and cutting of the control spindle, leading to deviations in the visual appearance and operational reliability, especially in sanitary fittings.

Innovation Solution

A valve head design featuring an adapter piece connected to the control spindle in a rotationally fixed manner, allowing for fine adjustment of the handle's axial position through a threaded engagement, with a locking device and adjustable sleeve to compensate for installation inaccuracies and ensure precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an extra-long control spindle is used and cut to length after installation, then the axial position of the operating part can be adjusted, but inaccuracies during installation and cutting lead to deviations in the axial position and visual appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial position of operating partVSAvoidinstallation and cutting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutting and measurement process with a threaded adjustment mechanism. Instead of cutting the spindle to achieve precise positioning, the invention uses a threadable adapter piece that can be rotated to precisely adjust the axial position of the operating part, eliminating the need for cutting operations and associated inaccuracies.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter adjustment method from discrete cutting lengths to continuous threaded adjustment. The adapter piece's axial position can be continuously adjusted by rotation, allowing fine-tuning of the operating part's position to compensate for installation inaccuracies, rather than being limited to fixed lengths determined by cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If electromagnetic valves are used for pushbutton operation, then automated control is achieved, but the electromagnetic contacts can be damaged during assembly, requiring additional power sources, and flow control is not permitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepushbutton operationVSAvoidelectromagnetic contacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-contained mechanical operating mechanism that does not require external power sources. The handle with control cap and cam track provides direct mechanical actuation of the valve body, eliminating electromagnetic contacts that are susceptible to damage during assembly and operation, while maintaining reliable automated-style control through manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the handle is directly connected to the control spindle, then the structure is simple, but the axial position of the handle cannot be adjusted to compensate for installation inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidaxial position of handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter piece as an intermediary component between the control spindle and the handle. This adapter piece includes a threaded internal engagement that allows independent adjustment of the handle's axial position relative to the spindle, providing a simple yet effective solution that adds minimal complexity while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise axial positioning of the operating part, correcting installation errors and ensuring a visually appealing and reliable operation of the valve, without the need for additional power sources or complex mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the adapter piece has an internal thread which engages with an external thread of the control spindle or a component connected to the control spindle and via which its axial position relative to the control spindle can be changed by rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4428414B1Valve upper part for sanitary fittings
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP4428414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4428414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve top part with a head piece which is axially penetrated by a control spindle (81) via which a valve body arranged in the head piece (83) can be actuated and which is connected to an operating part comprising a handle (1), wherein the handle (1) is displaceable relative to the head piece (83) coaxially to the control spindle (81), wherein the handle (1) is connected to the control spindle (81) via an adapter piece (2) which is fixed to it in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein the adapter piece (2) has an internal thread (24) which engages with an external thread of the control spindle or a component connected to the control spindle (81) and via which its axial relative position to the control spindle (81) can be changed by means of rotation.