Thermostatic Shower Flow Control Module for Variable Cold Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostatic shower fittings fail to maintain stable water outlet temperature due to temperature regulation issues caused by variations in tap water temperature, leading to customer complaints.
Innovation Solution
A water flow rate automatic control module that adjusts warm water flow based on cold water temperature using a thermosensitive assembly, diaphragm, and valve body configuration, ensuring consistent mixed water temperature by altering the flow rate of hot and cold water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermostatic shower is matched with a gas water heater, then the water heating function is provided, but the water outlet temperature cannot be stabilized when tap water temperature varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor detects the temperature of mixed water and sends signals to a control module. The control module automatically adjusts the flow rates of hot and cold water based on the detected temperature, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that stabilizes the water outlet temperature despite variations in tap water temperature or gas supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically regulates the water flow rates without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the temperature sensor feedback to self-adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water, enabling the shower system to maintain stable temperature output autonomously in response to changing environmental conditions.
2Temperature
If the tap water temperature is low in winter, then the water heating demand increases, but the gas water heater cannot burn tap water to a standard mixing temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating by directing cold water through a heat exchange pathway where it is preheated by hot water before entering the gas water heater. This preliminary action reduces the heating burden on the gas heater and improves overall heating efficiency, especially during winter when tap water temperature is low.
3Temperature
If the tap water temperature is high in summer, then the water cooling demand increases, but the gas water heater burns water temperature to a super-standard temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the mixed water temperature and provides feedback to the control module. When tap water temperature is high in summer, the feedback signal triggers the control module to increase cold water flow rate and reduce hot water flow rate, preventing the output temperature from exceeding the standard range.
4Reliability
If automatic temperature control is implemented, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary element that mediates between the mixed water and the control module. This intermediary converts the physical quantity of temperature into an electrical signal that the control module can process, enabling automatic control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 module stabilizes the mixed water temperature range by adjusting the flow rate of warm water in response to cold water temperature changes, preventing temperature adjustment failures and extreme differences.
Implementation Method 1
the thermosensitive assembly comprises a temperature sensing part and a moving rod inserted into the temperature sensing part, the temperature sensing part is arranged in the cold water cavity
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm is arranged between the diaphragm support and the buckle cover; and a return spring enabling the diaphragm to be in close contact with the upper end of the supporting tube is arranged between the buckle cover and the end cover
Data Source
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AI summary
A water flow rate automatic control module, relating to the field of thermostatic shower fittings. The water flow rate automatic control module comprises a base, a valve body, a thermosensitive assembly, a diaphragm, wherein a temperature sensing part senses the temperature of passing cold water in real time; when the temperature of cold water is too low, the mixed water flow rate is slowed down, and more hot water is supplied to a thermostatic valve core assembly for mixing; when the temperature of cold water is too high, the mixed water flow rate is increased, and more cold water is supplied to the thermostatic valve core assembly for mixing. Therefore, the mixed water temperature range of the thermostatic valve core assembly can be ensured, and the problem of temperature adjustment failure or beyond the temperature difference caused by matching the thermostatic shower with a gas water heater is solved.