Slide-On Mixing Valve Assembly for Low-Height Water Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing valve systems for water heaters are complex to assemble, require bulky housings that increase the overall height of the water heater unit, and often necessitate on-site retrofitting, which is costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A compact mixing valve assembly that includes a cold water connector, a hot water connector, an electronic valve system, and a tube, all in fluid communication, which can be easily installed by sliding the connectors onto the water heater's tubular portions, and features a removable housing to reduce overall height and simplify manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mixing valve components are assembled together via threaded connections, then the mixing valve can be installed on water heater units, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mixing valve components (cold water fitting, hot water fitting, hose, and actuator) into a single integrated mixing valve assembly. This integration allows the entire assembly to be installed as one unit using simple slideable connections, eliminating the complex threaded assembly process while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing valve assembly is designed with modular components that can be manufactured separately and then easily assembled. The assembly includes distinct sections for cold water connection, hot water connection, and actuator mechanisms, which are segmented in a way that facilitates simple connection methods rather than complex threading.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional housing is used for the mixing valve, then all components can be enclosed, but the overall height of the water heater unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the housing to utilize horizontal space more effectively rather than extending vertically. By arranging components in a compact horizontal layout and using the width and depth dimensions of the water heater, the housing encloses all mixing valve components without increasing the overall height of the unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing valve components are nested within a compact housing that fits into the existing water heater structure. The actuator, valve body, and connections are arranged in a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization while maintaining a low profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixing valve components are assembled separately with wrenches, then each component can be individually adjusted, but the installation process becomes costly and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all mixing valve components into a pre-assembled unit that maintains adjustability features while eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly. The integrated design allows the entire assembly to be installed quickly with simple connections, reducing installation costs and inconvenience while preserving the ability to adjust mixing ratios through the actuator mechanism.
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 compact mixing valve assembly simplifies the assembly and manufacturing processes, reduces the overall height of the water heater unit, and facilitates easier installation, thereby lowering costs and expanding installation options.
Implementation Method 1
The valve of the electronic valve system can be a solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively or in addition, the electronic valve system can include a motor configured to transition the valve between the open configuration and the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing valve assembly is disclosed. The mixing valve assembly can include a cold water connector, a hot water connector, an electronic valve system, and a tube. The cold water connector can have a through-hole configured to slideably receive at least a portion of a first tubular portion of a cold water inlet, and the hot water connector can have a through-hole configured to slideably receive at least a portion of a second tubular portion of a hot water outlet. The electronic valve system can be configured to transition a valve between an open configuration and a closed configuration such that cold water can be selectively permitted to flow from the cold water connector to the hot water connector. The mixing valve assembly can be configured to selectively permit cold water to bypass the tank of water heater.