Valve assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermostatic mixing valves in settings like hospitals and nursing homes face challenges in safely achieving sterilization temperatures without risking scalding, as manual adjustment for disinfection is labor-intensive and prone to improper reassembly, and existing solutions do not adequately prevent scalding during temperature transitions.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated shut-off valve is integrated into the system, which automatically shuts off the water supply when temperatures exceed a hazardous level and requires a coded entry to reopen, ensuring controlled disinfection without scalding risks, with sensors monitoring temperatures to prevent unsafe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is used to achieve sterilization temperatures, then thermal disinfection can be performed, but personnel deployment increases and risk of improper reassembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs thermal disinfection without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously activates the heating element when disinfection is required, and the system self-regulates the temperature and timing, eliminating the need for personnel to manually adjust settings and reducing reassembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The control unit uses electronic signals to regulate the heating element and temperature sensors to monitor conditions, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated electromechanical system that reduces personnel involvement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water flow is allowed at high temperatures for disinfection, then sterilization is achieved, but risk of scalding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the water temperature and provide feedback to the control unit. When the temperature reaches the sterilization level (e.g., 70°C or higher), the sensor signals the control unit to automatically shut off the water flow, preventing scalding while ensuring effective disinfection. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the system state based on real-time temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is programmed with predetermined temperature thresholds that trigger automatic water flow shutdown before scalding can occur. The system takes preliminary protective action by establishing safety limits and automatically enforcing them, preventing the harmful effect of scalding before it can manifest, while still allowing sufficient time for sterilization at high temperatures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If maximum temperature of 42°C is limited to avoid scalding, then safety is improved, but thermal disinfection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature limit based on the operational mode. During normal operation, the temperature is restricted to 42°C to prevent scalding. However, when disinfection mode is activated (either automatically or manually), the system temporarily raises the temperature threshold to enable sterilization at higher temperatures (70°C or above), then automatically returns to the safe temperature limit afterward. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its safety parameters to different operational requirements.
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 solution allows for safe and controlled thermal disinfection at elevated temperatures without the risk of scalding, reducing personnel deployment and ensuring the system remains safe for normal use by only allowing water flow when temperatures are below the hazardous threshold.
Implementation Method 1
The valve arrangement (100) is designed in such a way that the adjustable stop (116) can be rotated past the second stop (148) at least to a limited extent in order to enable thermal disinfection, in that a solenoid valve (12) which can be actuated electrically via a controller (14) is provided for shutting off the water supply
Implementation Method 2
The temperature can be measured, for example, in a tub spout or in a shower inlet or shower head or in a tub by means of one or more sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling the dispensing of a liquid from a fitting (10), wherein the liquid dispensing can be shut off by means of a shut-off valve (12) which can be actuated via a codable electrical control (14) if the temperature of the liquid leads to a hazard.