Three-Way Flow Dividing Valve Structure With Low Rotation Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-way flow dividing valves experience high rotation friction and axis deviation due to uneven force distribution and the presence of sealing components, making operation laborious.
Innovation Solution
A three-way flow dividing valve structure featuring a valve body with a water divider and spring, where the water divider includes a shaft and dish with axisymmetric holes, and a bonnet with positioning grooves, reducing friction by eliminating sealing components between the divider and chamber wall, and ensuring even force distribution through a guide pillar and gasket configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing components (gasket, sealing rings, spring) are added to ensure tight sealing between the valve shaft and water outlets, then sealing reliability is improved, but rotation friction of the valve shaft increases making operation laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sealing rings from between the valve shaft and the flow dividing chamber side wall, extracting the harmful sealing components that caused high friction. The sealing function is retained through the gasket between the water dividing dish bottom surface and the flow dividing chamber bottom, which does not interfere with rotation. This extraction eliminates the friction caused by sealing rings while maintaining sealing reliability through the alternative gasket configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing components (gasket, two sealing rings, spring) are installed on the valve shaft, then sealing performance is improved, but the valve shaft may deviate from its axis during rotation due to uneven forcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing rings that were causing uneven forcing on the valve shaft. By removing these components, the source of asymmetric forces that caused axial deviation is eliminated. The gasket is repositioned to the bottom of the flow dividing chamber where it provides sealing without interfering with the rotational symmetry and axial alignment of the valve shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the sealing configuration by placing the gasket at the bottom of the flow dividing chamber rather than on the rotating valve shaft. This asymmetric positioning separates the sealing function from the rotation function, allowing the valve shaft to rotate symmetrically without asymmetric sealing forces causing axial deviation.
3Reliability
If a spring is added between the gasket and valve shaft to ensure tight sealing, then sealing force is improved, but rotation friction increases making the valve harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring from the valve shaft assembly, removing the source of additional friction. The sealing force is maintained through the gasket's elastic deformation and the pressure differential across it, eliminating the need for a mechanical spring that would increase rotation friction.
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 design significantly reduces rotation friction, allowing effortless operation and preventing axis deviation, enabling smooth and precise water flow control.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is located in the flow dividing chamber, wherein a top and a bottom ends of the spring abut against the water dividing dish and the bonnet respectively
Implementation Method 2
A gasket is provided between a bottom surface of the water dividing dish and the bottom of the flow dividing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A three-way flow dividing valve structure is provided, including a valve body, a water divider, a spring, and a switch handle. A water intake communicating with the water inlet is formed on the side wall of the flow dividing chamber. A first and second outlet holes respectively communicating with the water outlets are formed at the bottom of the flow dividing chamber. The water divider includes a water dividing shaft and a water dividing dish; the bottom of the water dividing shaft is connected to the water dividing dish in the flow dividing chamber. The water dividing dish has a water dividing hole movably communicating with the outlet holes. The top of the water dividing shaft protrudes from the valve body and is connected to the switch handle. Two ends of the spring abut against the water dividing dish and the bonnet respectively. The present disclosure can be operated effortlessly.