Thermal Expansion Mixing Valve for Stable Water Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The temperature of mixed water from hot and cold water pipes is unstable, often falling outside the 35-42 degrees range suitable for human use, posing risks of discomfort or injury.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlling water valve that utilizes thermal deformation of a rod member to adjust the flow rates of hot and cold water through thermal expansion and contraction, controlling the overlapping areas of passageways to regulate water temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hot water and cold water are mixed in a chamber without temperature control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature stability of the mixed water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion and contraction of the rod member to automatically adjust the valve member position. When hot water flows through the rod member, it expands and pushes the valve member to change the overlapping areas of passageways, thereby controlling the flow rates of hot and cold water to maintain stable mixed water temperature without complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If the flow rates of hot water and cold water are not regulated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system performs self-regulation through thermal deformation of the rod member. The hot water itself provides the thermal energy that causes the rod member to expand or contract, which automatically adjusts the valve opening to maintain proper flow rates. This eliminates the need for external control mechanisms while achieving precise temperature regulation.
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
Effectively maintains the water temperature within a safe range by adjusting the flow rates of hot and cold water based on thermal changes, ensuring consistent and safe usage.
Implementation Method 1
thermal expansion or contraction of the rod member drives the valve member to move relative to the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlling water valve is provided. An adjusting assembly is assembled within the water valve and includes an adjusting member, a first elastic member, a blocking member and an abutting member. The first elastic member biases the abutting member, and the blocking member is fixed to the adjusting member to block the abutting member from detaching from a receiving hole of the adjusting member. A temperature-controlling assembly includes a valve member and a second elastic member biasing the valve member. Thermal expansion or contraction of a rod member of the valve member drives the valve member to move so that an overlapping area of the valve member and a first passageway of the water valve and an overlapping area of the valve member and a second passageway of the water valve change.