Single-Knob Centralized Valve for Multi-Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water valves require multiple buttons or a combination of buttons and handles to switch and regulate water flow, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, potentially leading to water leaks.
Innovation Solution
A centralized control valve with a single press-knob button, utilizing a mechanical hinge and large-angle oblique thread pair, allows for the selection of multiple water intakes and regulation of water flow through a single button operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple buttons or combined buttons and handles are used to control water valve operations, then the valve can perform switching and selection functions, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (switching and selection) into a single integrated button structure. The button includes a pressing component and a rotating component that work together to control the valve core, eliminating the need for separate buttons and handles while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button is designed to perform multiple functions: pressing the button controls water flow switching, while rotating the button controls water inlet selection. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls.
2Reliability
If multiple buttons are mounted on the water valve, then all operations can be completed, but the risk of water leaks increases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple control functions into a single button assembly with fewer external interfaces, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. The integrated design means fewer separate components that could malfunction or leak, improving overall system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a single press-knob button is used to integrate all operations, then ease of operation improves and water saving increases, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The button is segmented into functional components: a pressing component for flow control and a rotating component for inlet selection. The internal linkage mechanism is also segmented into distinct elements (linkage rod, hinge, etc.) that transmit motion separately for different functions, making the complex structure manageable and maintainable.
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 solution simplifies water valve operations, reduces the risk of leaks, and saves water by integrating all control functions into a single, intuitive button, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a large angle oblique external thread accessory 33 is tightened at the upper end of the single valve core handle 32 for only one entering of supply water; and a large angle oblique internal thread accessory 34 is tightened at the lower end of a valve stem 11; so said two large angle oblique external and internal thread accessories meshed each other configure a large angle oblique thread pair
Implementation Method 2
a hinge rod 23 is tightened to the lower part of said hinge pieces 22 and embedded in a penetrated hinge groove 21 with mouth opened right upwards on upper part of valve core handle 12
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized control valve, its operations of selection of entering of multiple supply waters including thermal water and cold water and of switch or regulation of water flow all are integrated into a press-knob button, a centralized control button, to rotate the button to select the entering of multiple supply waters, to press the button repeatedly or temperately to switch or regulate water flow.One or more of various valve control devices in the background technologies are coupled with a ceramic valve core via mechanical hinge, therein the vertical motion of pressing or lifting the button is converted to deflexion motion of the handle of said valve core rounding itself horizontal axis, and the torque of rotating the button is transported to the handle of the valve core to select entering of multiple supply waters.