Temperature Control Outlet Device with Memory Spring Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household water supply systems in European and American regions face inefficiencies in temperature control, particularly during morning showers, where waiting for hot water to start after cold water has been flushed wastes time and water.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control outlet device with a valve system that includes a mainstream and diversion channel, utilizing a valve rod and memory spring to automatically switch from cold to hot water flow, allowing users to multitask while hot water is warming up by diverting hot water through a separate channel when cold water runs out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If cold water is run out from the system to the tap, then the tap can be ready for hot water, but hot water will automatically follow and waste water
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow path is segmented into two separate channels: a cold water channel for initial flushing and a hot water channel for controlled dispensing. The valve assembly divides the mainstream into these separate pathways, allowing independent control of cold and hot water flows to prevent waste
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the water flow and valve control system. This sensor detects when cold water has been exhausted and automatically triggers the valve to switch to hot water mode, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing premature hot water release
2Loss of substance
If wait beside the shower for hot water, then hot water is ready, but it will waste time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the depletion of cold water and autonomously switching to hot water mode through the temperature sensing mechanism. This eliminates the need for user presence or manual operation, allowing users to engage in other activities while the system manages the transition independently
3Measurement precision
If add valve rod and memory spring to control mainstream flow, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory spring mechanism exploits parameter changes in water temperature to trigger valve switching. As water temperature rises and heats the spring, the spring's physical properties change, automatically actuating the valve from cold to hot water mode without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple moving parts
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 effectively stops the outflow of hot water when cold water is exhausted, saving time and water by allowing users to engage in other activities during the warming-up period, ensuring a practical and efficient temperature control solution.
Implementation Method 1
the memory spring will extend because of high temperature which will push downward the valve rod and close the mainstream flow
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control outlet device including a body, a faceplate and an outlet assembly inside the body; the outlet assembly includes a valve connected to the body; the valve includes a mainstream and a diversion vent; a valve rod is provided inside the mainstream for blocking water flow in the mainstream via a bias spring on the bottom and a memory spring on the top. The diversion vent is connected to a diversion assembly. The diversion assembly includes a switching rod having one end connected to a reset spring and another end connected to a button. The temperature control outlet device automatically stops outflow of water when the water turns from cold to hot.