Concealed Valve Actuation with Adjustable Plastic Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed valves behind installation walls face challenges in adaptability to varying wall thicknesses and stability, with existing solutions either damaging external threads or being unstable with thin walls, and lacking secure operation prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system using a smooth plastic outer tube and a hexagonal metal actuating rod, which can be cut to any length, combined with a rosette-handwheel mechanism for secure operation and a blind plug option, to ensure flexible adaptation and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer tube has an external thread over its full length to enable adjustment to different wall thicknesses, then adaptability to varying wall thicknesses is improved, but the external thread can be damaged and adjustment can only be done in increments of 5 mm, worsening manufacturing precision and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tube is divided into two functional sections: a threaded section for secure attachment to the valve body and a smooth adjustment section for precise length adjustment. This segmentation allows the tube to both attach reliably and be adjusted precisely to different wall thicknesses without damaging threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube incorporates a movable locking mechanism that allows the tube length to be dynamically adjusted by sliding the tube over the actuating rod and securing it at the desired position. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise adaptation to various wall thicknesses while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer tube rests in the wall over the entire length to provide support, then stability is improved, but installation with thin walls becomes almost impossible, worsening adaptability to different wall thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the wall-insertion function. The outer tube provides support through its rigid structure and connection to the valve body, while the actuating rod extends through the tube to provide the necessary length for thin wall installations. This segmentation allows stable installation regardless of wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating rod serves as an intermediary element that extends the actuation mechanism through the outer tube. This allows the valve to be operated from a distance, making it possible to install the system in thin walls where the valve body cannot rest directly in the wall for full support.
3Reliability
If the actuating arrangement is firmly connected to the actuating rod to ensure reliable operation, then reliability is improved, but unauthorized operation cannot be prevented, worsening security
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuating rod and handwheel is made dynamically removable rather than permanently fixed. The handwheel can be easily attached to or removed from the actuating rod, allowing the system to transition between a secured state (handwheel removed) and an operational state (handwheel attached), thus preventing unauthorized operation while maintaining reliability when in use.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional materials are used for the outer tube and actuating rod, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but noise transmission from the concealed valve increases, worsening noise levels in the sanitary area
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite construction with the outer tube made of noise-absorbing material (such as plastic or rubber) and the actuating rod made of metal for structural strength. This composite approach combines the noise-dampening properties of the outer tube with the mechanical strength of the metal rod, reducing noise transmission while maintaining structural integrity and keeping manufacturing costs reasonable.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The system (1) has a fastening device for determining a flushing valve (20) based on a plumbing wall (2). The fastening device includes an outer tube (10) for operating the valve, and an actuator assembly operates the valve. The actuator assembly includes an operating rod (16) and a hand wheel (18) i.e. rosette. The outer tube is formed integrally, and the rod is arranged between the valve and the wheel detachably attached in the outer tube. The outer tube is formed as a flat tube made of soft plastic i.e. polyethylene, and the rod is formed as a hexagonal tube made of light metal.