Self-Closing Valve Locking Mechanism for Continuous Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-closing valve devices cannot maintain a fluid flow open position for extended periods, which is a limitation in applications requiring continuous fluid delivery, such as thermal disinfection in sanitary fittings, due to their automatic self-closing functionality.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing valve device with a blocking unit that allows the valve to remain permanently open in a special operating mode, using a blocking pin or magnetically operated mechanism to prevent automatic closure, enabling continuous fluid delivery until manually switched back to normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve device operates in normal self-closing mode, then the valve automatically closes after opening, ensuring automatic shut-off functionality, but the valve cannot maintain continuous fluid delivery for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device dynamically switches between two operating modes: normal self-closing mode for automatic shut-off and special operating mode for extended fluid delivery. The blocking unit enables transition between modes, allowing the valve to adapt its behavior based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the operational parameter of valve closure by introducing a blocking unit that can prevent the automatic closing action. When the blocking unit is engaged, the valve remains open indefinitely; when disengaged, the valve returns to its self-closing behavior, thus changing the closure parameter from automatic to manual control.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a blocking unit is added to enable special operating mode, then the valve can maintain permanent open position for extended fluid delivery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted as a separate, independent unit that can be added to the existing valve mechanism. This modular approach allows the blocking unit to be integrated without fundamentally redesigning the entire valve system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking unit serves as an intermediary element between the user and the valve closing mechanism. By introducing this intermediate component, the system gains the ability to override automatic closure without requiring complex direct control mechanisms, thus managing complexity effectively.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the blocking unit is used to hold the valve in open position, then continuous fluid delivery is enabled, but the ease of operation is reduced due to manual blocking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking unit is designed to be operated manually by the user when extended fluid delivery is required. This self-service approach allows the user to directly control the valve state without requiring additional automated control systems, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving the desired function.
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 the valve to maintain a permanent open position, facilitating extended fluid delivery without automatic closure, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional self-closing valve devices in applications like thermal disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking element (3a) includes a magnetic body (39) arranged in the valve housing body (8), which can be displaced by an actuating magnet (40) positionable outside the valve housing body (8) between a magnetic body release position (39a) and a magnetic body blocking position (39b)
Data Source
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AI summary
2.1. The invention relates to a self-closing valve device with a valve closing element unit (1) movably arranged between a valve closed position and a valve open position, and a valve actuating unit (2) movably arranged between a closed position, in which it holds the valve closing element unit in its valve closed position, and an open position, in which it holds the valve closing element unit in the valve open position, wherein the valve actuating unit moves from its closed position to its open position upon user actuation and, in normal operating mode of the self-closing valve device, automatically from its open position to its closed position. 2.2.The self-closing valve device according to the invention includes a locking unit (3) which can be moved by the user between a release position, in which it releases the automatic movement of the valve actuating unit (2) from its open position to its closed position, and a locking position (BL), in which it blocks the automatic movement of the valve actuating unit from its open position to its closed position, and a holding position (SA), in which the valve actuating unit, in a special operating mode of the self-closing valve device, holds the valve closing element unit (1) in a special operating valve open position (VA2). 2.3. Use, for example, as a self-closing sanitary mixing and shut-off valve device for sanitary water outlet fittings.