Under-Sink Diverter Valve for Faucet Water Flow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diverter valves for faucets are typically located above the sink deck, which can limit their functionality and compatibility with certain faucet configurations, and they often require complex mechanisms to redirect water flow between the spout and auxiliary dispensers like sprayers.
Innovation Solution
A diverter assembly is designed to be connected below the sink deck, featuring a diverter valve with a valve member that controls water flow between the spout and auxiliary dispensers, allowing for both single and multiple water outlet configurations through a connector housing with interchangeable components, including a sealing plug for non-sprayer setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the diverter valve is located above the sink deck, then the installation is simpler, but the functionality and compatibility with certain faucet configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional location of the diverter valve from above the sink deck to below the sink deck. This inversion allows the diverter valve to be compatible with a broader range of faucet configurations while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized mounting procedures below the deck.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional diverter valve is used above the deck, then the structure is simpler, but complex mechanisms are required to redirect water flow between spout and auxiliary dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diverter valve from the conventional above-deck location and relocates it below the sink deck. This extraction simplifies the mechanism for redirecting water flow between the spout and auxiliary dispensers, as the diverter valve can now directly control the water supply to these components without requiring complex above-deck mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the diverter valve is positioned below the mounting deck, then flexibility and installation ease are enhanced, but the diverter valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the diverter valve housing contains internal components such as the valve member, seals, and flow passages. This nesting allows the diverter valve to be installed below the mounting deck with enhanced flexibility and ease of installation, while the internal nested components manage the structural complexity within a compact form factor.
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 configuration enhances the flexibility and installation ease of faucet systems by allowing water redirection without the need for complex mechanisms, facilitating the use of tubular liners and reducing the risk of material contact, thus improving user experience and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
When the sprayer is activated, water flow to the sprayer causes a pressure drop across a diverter seal which, in turn, stops water flow to the spout.
Data Source
AI summary
A diverter assembly (12) for use with a faucet assembly (10) including a diverter valve (78) secured to an inlet end (80) of a sprayer tube (46) and removably received within a connector (62).