Stagnation Flushing Valve Layout for Hygienic Water Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve devices for sanitary fittings do not effectively manage stagnation flushing, leading to germ and deposit formation when water is left standing, requiring complex and time-consuming cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a flushing outlet and a flushing valve that allows for separate stagnation flushing without flowing through the normal water outlet, featuring a one-piece valve housing and concentrically arranged valve seats for efficient water flow and sealing, along with magnetic actuation and a control unit for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is left standing in the valve inlet and pipe for a long period, then water stagnation occurs leading to germ and deposit formation, but frequent stagnation flushing causes the sink to become wet requiring complex cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water discharge function into two separate outlets: a first outlet (valve outlet) for normal water dispensing and a second outlet (flushing outlet) for stagnation flushing. This segmentation allows stagnant water to be discharged separately without contaminating the sink, eliminating the need for post-flush cleaning while maintaining hygiene.
2Reliability
If a separate flushing outlet is added to enable stagnation flushing, then hygiene is improved, but the valve device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flushing valve and tapping valve into a single integrated valve device with a unified actuating element. This merging allows both functions to be controlled through one mechanism, simplifying the overall structure despite adding the flushing outlet functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can activate either the flushing valve or the tapping valve depending on the operational mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each outlet, maintaining structural simplicity.
3Volume of moving object
If the flushing valve and tapping valve are integrated in one valve device, then space is saved and handling is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve seats and flow paths to be pre-configured during manufacturing, with the flushing and tapping functions integrated into the valve body structure. This preliminary configuration of critical components simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
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 improved stagnation flushing by diverting stagnant water directly to a drain, reducing the need for post-flush cleaning and enhancing hygiene by preventing germ and deposit formation, while maintaining efficient operation and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a first closing element which can close a flow path from the valve inlet to the valve outlet
Implementation Method 2
a second closing element which can close a flow path from the valve inlet to the flushing outlet
Implementation Method 3
a flushing outlet through which flow can occur in a flushing direction, wherein a flushing valve for releasing the flow path is arranged in the flow path between the valve inlet and the flushing outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device (1) for use in a fitting (10), comprising a valve inlet (3), through which fluid can flow in an inflow direction (E), a valve outlet (4), through which fluid can flow in an outflow direction (A), for drawing industrial water, and a removal valve (5), which is arranged in the flow path between the valve inlet (3) and the valve outlet (4), for releasing the flow path, said removal valve being actuatable by the pressure of the industrial water present in the valve inlet. The valve device (1) additionally has a flushing outlet (6), through which fluid can flow in a flushing direction (S), wherein a flushing valve (7) for releasing the flow path is arranged in the flow path between the valve inlet (3) and the flushing outlet (6). The invention additionally relates to a fitting (10) comprising a corresponding valve device (1).