Timer Tap Cartridge With Air Timing for Stable Low-Force Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional timer-operated taps rely on water pressure and temperature, requiring significant force to operate and are affected by network conditions, leading to user fatigue or high costs.

Innovation Solution

A timer-operated tap design featuring an intermediate closure member with an independent timing mechanism using a different fluid, such as air, to stabilize timing and reduce the force required for operation, decoupling the tap's functionality from water pressure and temperature variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional timing means using supply fluid to fill the timer chamber are used, then the tap can be operated manually or electronically, but considerable force is required to force the water from the timing chamber, causing user fatigue or high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce required to open the tapVSAvoidforce required to discharge water from timing chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent closure members: a main closure member for water supply control and an intermediate closure member for timing control. Each closure member has its own seat and timing mechanism, allowing the timing function to be separated from the main water flow control. This segmentation enables the intermediate closure member to use a different fluid (air) for timing, reducing the force required to operate the main closure member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate closure member is introduced as a mediator between the user's actuating force and the main closure member. This intermediate member operates with its own timing chamber filled with air (or other suitable fluid), acting as a buffer that reduces the force transmission to the main closure member. The intermediate closure member synchronizes with the main closure member through mechanical linkage, ensuring coordinated operation while reducing the direct force requirement on the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional timing means dependent on supply fluid pressure and temperature are used, then the timing mechanism is simple, but the timing duration varies with network pressure, water temperature, and water cleanliness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of timing durationVSAvoiddependence on supply fluid conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate closure member with its separate timing chamber filled with air (or other stable fluid) acts as an intermediary timing mechanism. This intermediate timing system is less sensitive to variations in supply water conditions such as pressure, temperature, and cleanliness. The intermediate closure member synchronizes its timing with the main closure member, providing a more stable and reliable timing reference that compensates for the variability inherent in using supply water directly for timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fluid parameter used for timing from supply water (variable pressure, temperature, cleanliness) to air or another stable fluid in the intermediate timing chamber. This parameter change makes the timing duration more consistent and less dependent on external network conditions. The intermediate closure member's timing chamber uses a fluid with more stable physical properties, thereby improving timing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for easy operation with minimal force, stabilizes timing duration, and separates the functions of the timing and supply fluids, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the timer chamber being filled with a timer fluid, especially a different fluid to the supply fluid, for example, air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

passage means for the supply fluid to be able to pass between the intermediate closure member and the main closure member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11300980B2Device forming a timer-operated tap or a timer cartridge for a timer-operated tap

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 LES ROBINETAB PRESTO

AI summary

A timer-operated tap or timer cartridge for a device forming a timer-operated tap includes at least one opening for the inlet of the supply fluid and at least one opening for the outlet of the supply fluid. A main closure member is received in a main seat formed in at least one outlet or inlet opening to close the tap and is removed from the main seat to open the tap and allow the passage of the supply fluid between the inlet and outlet openings. Control means for controlling the movement of the main closure member by means of a control rod; and timer means intended for moving the main closure member into the seat thereof at the end of a given time interval preceding the removal thereof. An element forming an intermediate closure member and an associated intermediate seat may also be provided.