Thermosensitive Water Flow Control for Stable Shower Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostatic shower fittings fail to maintain a stable water outlet temperature due to temperature regulation issues when paired with gas water heaters, as they struggle to adjust water flow rates in response to varying tap water temperatures, leading to customer complaints.
Innovation Solution
A water flow rate automatic control module comprising a base, valve body, thermosensitive assembly, and diaphragm, which adjusts warm water flow based on cold water temperature by using a temperature sensing part and moving rod to control the diaphragm's position, ensuring a consistent mixed water temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermostatic shower is matched with a gas water heater, then the water heating function is provided, but the water outlet temperature cannot be stabilized when tap water temperature varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the thermosensitive assembly continuously monitors the cold water temperature and automatically adjusts the warm water flow rate through the diaphragm and moving rod mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the mixed water temperature remains stable despite variations in tap water temperature, directly resolving the temperature regulation instability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The water flow rate automatic control module operates autonomously by using the thermosensitive assembly to detect cold water temperature and automatically adjusting the warm water flow without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the mixing ratio based on real-time temperature conditions, eliminating the need for user adjustment and maintaining stable outlet temperature independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tap water temperature is low in winter, then the gas water heater must heat the water to standard temperature, but the temperature easily exceeds the standard when tap water temperature is high in summer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the diaphragm and moving rod automatically change the warm water flow rate based on real-time cold water temperature detection. The system continuously adapts its operation parameters (warm water flow) in response to varying tap water temperatures, enabling precise mixed water temperature control across different seasonal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the water flow based on detected temperature conditions. When cold water temperature varies (low in winter, high in summer), the thermosensitive assembly triggers corresponding adjustments in warm water flow rate, dynamically modifying system parameters to maintain consistent mixed water temperature and achieve precise control across different environmental conditions.
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 module automatically adjusts water flow rates to maintain a stable outlet temperature by increasing hot water supply when cold water is low and increasing cold water supply when it's high, effectively resolving temperature regulation failures and temperature differences.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensing part is arranged in the cold water cavity... the temperature sensing part senses the temperature of passing cold water in real time
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm is arranged between the diaphragm support and the buckle cover... a return spring enabling the diaphragm to be in close contact with the upper end of the supporting tube
Data Source
AI summary
A water flow rate automatic control module includes a base, a valve body, a thermosensitive assembly, a diaphragm, wherein a temperature sensing part senses the temperature of passing cold water in real time; when the temperature of cold water is too low, the mixed water flow rate is slowed down, and more hot water is supplied to a thermostatic valve core assembly for mixing; when the temperature of cold water is too high, the mixed water flow rate is increased, and more cold water is supplied to the thermostatic valve core assembly for mixing. Therefore, the mixed water temperature range of the thermostatic valve core assembly can be ensured, and the problem of temperature adjustment failure or beyond the temperature difference caused by matching the thermostatic shower with a gas water heater is solved.