Segmented Mixing Valve Structure for Contamination Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing valves are prone to malfunction and failure due to inner contamination, such as dirt or debris, which can cause fluid flow disruptions and total failure, leading to user annoyance and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A mixing valve design featuring a valve body with two parts, where one part faces the switching valve and the other part faces the proportional valve, allowing for two-phase operation with adjustable external forces to manage fluid flow, including a recoil spring and a regulator spring for controlled movement, and a cleaning continuation to break up residues, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single valve body is used for both switching valve part and proportional valve part, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into two separate parts: a first valve body part for the switching valve and a second valve body part for the proportional valve. This segmentation allows independent cleaning and maintenance of each part, preventing contamination from affecting the entire valve system. The fluid flow paths are also separated into first and second fluid flows, ensuring that contamination in one path does not compromise the other.
2Device complexity
If a single fluid flow path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as contamination can block the entire flow
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow system is segmented into at least two separate fluid flows: a first fluid flow controlled by the switching valve and a second fluid flow controlled by the proportional valve. This allows independent operation and isolation of flow paths, so that contamination blocking one flow does not prevent the other from functioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve body is made as one piece, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inability to clean internal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is constructed from multiple separable parts that can be disassembled for cleaning. The first valve body part and second valve body part can be removed and cleaned separately, allowing maintenance personnel to access and clean internal surfaces without replacing the entire valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates removable valve body parts that facilitate preliminary cleaning actions before contamination causes malfunction. This allows preventive maintenance where internal surfaces can be regularly cleaned to prevent buildup that would lead to failures.
4Productivity
If both fluid flows are opened simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased contamination exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system controls multiple fluid flows independently through separate valve parts. This allows selective opening and closing of individual fluid flows based on operational needs, enabling productivity optimization while minimizing the time each flow is exposed to potential contamination sources.
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 enhances reliability by allowing separate control of fluid flows, reducing the risk of contamination, and maintaining long-lasting opening functionality by preventing dirt accumulation and residue formation, thus minimizing malfunctions and total failures.
Implementation Method 1
the valve body is movable by an external force in opposition to the resetting force of at least one spring
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a mixing valve, including a valve housing and a switching valve part and a proportional valve part, wherein either a common valve body or a multi-part valve body is provided for the switching valve part and the proportional valve part, and the valve body comprises a valve body part which faces the switching valve part and a valve body part which faces the proportional valve part, and the valve body is movable by an external force in opposition to the resetting force of at least one spring.