Timed Mixer Tap Layout With Separate Mixing and Timer Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timed mixer taps are bulky and have a complex structure due to their dual functionality, which hinders their compactness and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A single-lever, timed mixer tap design where the mixing block and timer cartridge are mounted separately, with a pushbutton that transmits both translational and rotational movements to a transmission member, allowing for independent operation of each component and a more compact system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing block and timer cartridge are integrated in a single structure, then the tap provides dual functionality for temperature control and timing, but the structure becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing block and timer cartridge are divided into separate mounted components rather than being integrated into a single structure. The transmission member acts as an independent element connecting the pushbutton to both components, allowing each to be mounted separately on the tap body while maintaining functional integration through the shared transmission mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing block and timer cartridge are integrated in a single structure, then the tap provides dual functionality, but the overall size and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timer cartridge is positioned within the hollow cylindrical transmission member, creating a nested arrangement where the cartridge occupies the internal space of the transmission member. This nesting allows the timing mechanism to be housed within the structural element that already transmits motion, eliminating the need for separate external housing and reducing overall tap volume.
3Ease of operation
If a single pushbutton controls both temperature and flow, then the ease of operation is improved, but the transmission mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits translational movement from the pushbutton to the actuator rod of the timer cartridge, transmits rotational movement to the movable portion of the mixing block for temperature control, and provides structural housing for the timer cartridge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate transmission components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member acts as an intermediary element between the single pushbutton and the two separate components (timer cartridge and mixing block). It converts the single pushbutton's translational movement into both translational movement for the timer cartridge and rotational movement for the mixing block, simplifying the control interface while managing the complexity of dual-component actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a single-lever, timed mixer tap comprising a push-button 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 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, 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 of the timer cartridge as well as a rotational movement to the movable portion of the mixing block.