Timed Mixer Tap Layout With Separate Cartridge and Mixing Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Timed mixer taps are bulky and have a complicated structure due to their dual functionality, which complicates maintenance and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A single-control timed mixer tap design with a compact structure is achieved by independently mounting the mixer block and time-delay cartridge, allowing separate removal and operation, and utilizing a push button for both translation and rotation to control temperature and flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mixer block and time-delay cartridge are integrated in a single structure, then the tap achieves dual functionality for temperature and timing control, but the structure becomes bulky and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionalityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer tap is divided into two independent functional modules: a mixer block for temperature control and a time-delay cartridge for timing control. These modules are mounted independently on the body, allowing them to be separated for maintenance or replacement while maintaining dual functionality when assembled together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push button serves multiple functions: it activates the time-delay mechanism and simultaneously controls the mixer block for temperature adjustment. This multi-functional control element reduces the need for separate controls while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the mixer block and time-delay cartridge are integrated, then temperature and flow control are combined, but maintenance and assembly become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature and flow controlVSAvoidmaintenance and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer block and time-delay cartridge are designed as separate, independently mountable components. This segmentation allows individual maintenance or replacement of either component without affecting the other, significantly simplifying repair and assembly operations while maintaining integrated control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the transmission of translation to the mixer block is avoided, then the system becomes more compact, but the control mechanism must be redesigned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The time-delay cartridge is positioned to directly interact with the mixer block without requiring an intermediate transmission mechanism for translation. The push button's linear movement is directly transmitted to the time-delay cartridge, which in turn controls the mixer block, eliminating redundant transmission stages and reducing overall system volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3688349B1Single-lever timed mixer tap
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 LES ROBINETAB PRESTO
  • EP3688349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3688349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3688349B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a single-lever, timed mixer tap comprising a push-button 1 that makes it possible to control the passage of water between at least one water-supply inlet, in particular two inlets for hot water and cold water, respectively, and at least one outlet for the mixed water, a mixing block 11 having a portion that is rotatably movable in relation to a stationary portion in order to vary the temperature of the mixed water, and a timer cartridge 6, characterised in that the mixing block and the timer cartridge are mounted separately from one another and the push-button is mounted translatably and rotatably movable, and in that at least one member for transmitting the movement of the push-button is provided, which is designed to transmit a translational movement to an actuator rod 6' of the timer cartridge as well as a rotational movement to the movable portion of the mixing block.