Straight-Through Switching Valve for High Flow in Compact Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow passage switching valves suffer from friction-related damage, complex structures, and limited water flow area due to rotary or sliding mechanisms, leading to increased size and poor aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A straight-through switching valve design featuring a valve core and body with angled sealing members and passage holes, allowing for efficient water flow and rotation without blocking the axial space, supported by a movement restriction member and operating handle for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary or sliding switching method is adopted, then switching function is achieved, but sealing element is severely frictioned and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the rotary/sliding switching mechanism by introducing a separate straight-through valve core with sealing members that open/close passages through axial movement rather than rotation. This separates the switching action from the sealing action, reducing friction on sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional rotary mechanical switching system with a straight-through valve core system that uses axial linear movement to control water flow direction. This substitution eliminates the rotational friction that damages sealing elements in conventional designs.
2Volume of moving object
If rotary or sliding switching method is adopted, then switching function is achieved, but flow passage area is small and overall size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial flow control (rotary method) to axial flow control (straight-through method). The valve core moves axially to control water flow, utilizing the axial dimension for switching while maintaining large radial flow passages, thus achieving compact size with high flow volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple water passages (first water passage, second water passage) that can be independently controlled by the valve core position. This segmentation allows efficient space utilization and maintains large flow areas in each passage while keeping the overall valve compact.
3Device complexity
If rotary or sliding switching method is adopted, then switching function is achieved, but flow passage switching structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from complex rotary or sliding mechanisms and implements it through a simple straight-through valve core that moves axially between two positions. This extraction simplifies the switching structure while maintaining reliable water flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rotary or sliding motion to achieve switching, the patent inverts the approach by using straight-through axial movement. The valve core moves back and forth along the axial direction to control water flow direction, simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving the same switching function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a straight-through switching valve, which is provided with a first sealing member and a second sealing member in the axial direction, the valve core is coupled with different sealing members during the rotating process, thereby the switching function of water passage is realized. Such a structure can realize the maximum use of the inner space of the tube, and the entire inner space of the valve core is not blocked in the axial direction, and the water passage area is very large, even in case that the radial size of the entire switching valve is small, it can still satisfy an requirement of flow volume, so as to achieve an object of large flow volume with small volume.