Two-segment Joystick Identification Structure for Water Control Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water control valve joysticks face challenges in water saving due to short actuation angle stroke, leading to resource waste, and their segmented engagement structures are difficult to assemble and manufacture efficiently due to small component sizes.
Innovation Solution
A two-segment joystick identification structure featuring a radial through-type holding hole, step-shaped actuating rod, internal holding groove, elastic expandable assembly, and resisting and drive surface, which provides a two-segment hand feel identification effect, facilitating water saving by requiring different forces for varying water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional segmented engagement structures with elastic top beads are used, then water saving function is achieved through segmented identification, but assembly convenience deteriorates and manufacturing efficiency decreases due to small component sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic top bead and spring from the joystick structure, removing the problematic small components that caused assembly difficulties. The groove structure is retained but the elastic engagement mechanism is eliminated, replacing it with a simpler positioning approach that maintains the segmented identification function without the manufacturing and assembly issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function into the groove structure itself, eliminating the need for separate elastic top beads and springs. The groove structure is designed to provide both the segmented identification and the positioning function in a unified, simpler structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble.
2Reliability
If conventional segmented engagement structures with elastic top beads are used, then water saving function is achieved through segmented identification, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates with increased defect rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic top bead and spring components from the manufacturing process, eliminating the need to manufacture, assemble, and quality-check these small parts. This extraction of problematic components directly improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces defect rates while maintaining the water-saving segmented identification function through the simplified groove structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex elastic engagement mechanism with a simpler, more robust groove-based positioning system that is easier and cheaper to manufacture. The simplified structure reduces manufacturing complexity and defect rates, making the production process more efficient and reliable.
3Volume of moving object
If the joystick actuation angle stroke is kept short, then the valve structure remains compact, but water resource waste increases due to easy operation to fully open position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the joystick rotation range into distinct segments marked by grooves. These grooves create tactile feedback that helps users identify and stop at appropriate positions, preventing over-rotation to the fully open position. The segmented structure maintains the compact design while reducing water waste through improved user control.
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
This structure enhances water saving by providing a distinct hand feel that discourages excessive water usage, simplifies assembly and manufacturing, and reduces defect rates through compact, easy-to-produce components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic expandable assembly (15) assembled and held in said internal holding groove (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A two-segment joystick identification structure for a water control valve has a radial through-type holding hole, a step-shaped actuating rod, an internal holding groove, an elastic expandable assembly and a resisting and drive surface. The identification structure achieves a two-segment hand feel identification effect of the joystick of the water control valve and thus saves water, has compact components, simple fabrication, convenient assembly and practical advancement.