Spout Valve With Self-Locking Push-Button for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual devices for pouring or dispensing liquids require complex operations and two-handed maneuvers to lock or unlock the valve, making them cumbersome and difficult to use ergonomically, especially for one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A valve mechanism that allows flow opening and closing with a single finger movement in one direction, featuring a push-button design that automatically locks or unlocks the open position, enabling effortless operation with minimal effort, suitable for use with flexible hoses and various containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pistol-type valve with trigger button is used, then the valve can be opened with one hand, but locking the valve in open position requires a second hand and the device is complicated to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the opening and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The T-shaped handle integration with the valve body eliminates separate locking components, allowing the valve to be opened and locked in one continuous motion using only one hand, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically lock itself in the open position through the T-shaped handle's geometric constraint. The handle's shape and positioning automatically engage with the valve body features, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional locking components or manual intervention, thus simplifying the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a slide valve with repulsive and pulling movements is used, then the valve can be operated with one hand, but the repulsive movement is not ergonomic and requires more effort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a repulsive pushing motion that is ergonomically difficult, the patent inverts the operation to use only a pulling motion. The T-shaped handle is designed to be pulled toward the user, utilizing the natural gripping strength of the hand and thumb, thereby eliminating the need for forceful pushing movements and significantly reducing the effort required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from bidirectional (push-pull) to unidirectional (pull-only). By redesigning the handle mechanism to respond only to pulling forces, the device leverages the ergonomic advantage of the natural gripping motion, reducing the force required by the thumb while maintaining full one-handed operability.
3Device complexity
If a valve requiring two-handed operation for locking is used, then the valve mechanism can be simple, but it becomes cumbersome and difficult to use ergonomically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opening and locking operations into a single integrated action performed by the T-shaped handle. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms that would require two hands, achieving both operational simplicity and ergonomic one-handed usability simultaneously through the unified handle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism performs self-locking through the geometric design of the T-shaped handle and its interaction with the valve body. This self-service locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking components or two-handed operation, maintaining mechanism simplicity while achieving excellent ergonomic usability with one hand.
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 device provides ergonomic and efficient liquid dispensing, allowing precise control with light pressure, suitable for one-handed operation, and ensures reliable sealing and operation at low pressures, enhancing usability for diverse applications including containers with flexible hoses.
Implementation Method 1
the base has a resiliently deformable cover, snap-fixed on a protruding wall... The protruding portion of the cover can be pushed towards the base in order to remove the plug from the liquid inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
between the main sleeve and the closure sleeve the sealing, preferably in the form of a rolling diaphragm, as well as helical spring of the button are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A device for filling or discharging a liquid includes an elongated body, a coaxial closure sleeve mounted axially on the main sleeve, wherein the main sleeve is slidable relative to the closure sleeve and the body and comprises an outlet end on its side remote from the body and an inlet end on the side closer to the body, facing the liquid inlet, at the inlet side the main sleeve has lateral surface outflow openings, a push-button for actuating the liquid outflow located at the outflow end of the device, located on the main sleeve at its outlet end side, which the push-button is non-rotatably mounted thereon, and between the main sleeve and the closure sleeve a sealing diaphragm, as well as the helical spring of the push-button are arranged. The liquid flows by axially displacing the push-button member.