Valve Cartridge Low Installation Ledge Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve cartridges have a high installation ledge, which limits design flexibility in plumbing fixtures, increases costs due to taller sidewalls in valve bodies, and results in a less efficient sealing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A valve cartridge design with a low point of contact, where the installation ledge is positioned below the actuating mechanism and above the mixing chamber, allowing for a compact structure and reduced material usage in valve body construction, with a retention nut engaging the ledge to secure the cartridge in the valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high installation ledge is used in conventional valve cartridges, then the sealing mechanism is simpler, but the design flexibility in plumbing fixtures is limited and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the installation ledge at the bottom of the valve cartridge housing instead of at the top. This inversion allows the retention nut to engage the ledge from below, securing the cartridge in the valve body without requiring tall sidewalls, thereby increasing design flexibility and reducing material usage
2Ease of manufacture
If a high installation ledge is used in conventional valve cartridges, then the sealing mechanism is simpler, but the valve body requires taller sidewalls increasing construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the installation ledge position to the bottom of the housing, the patent eliminates the need for tall sidewalls in the valve body. The retention nut engages the inverted ledge from below, securing the cartridge without requiring excessive height, thus reducing construction costs while maintaining manufacturability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a low installation ledge is used in the valve cartridge, then design flexibility and material efficiency are improved, but the sealing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a seal member positioned between the cartridge body and the inverted installation ledge. This seal member mediates the sealing function, allowing the low ledge design to achieve watertight sealing without requiring complex sealing mechanisms throughout the entire cartridge structure
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 low installation ledge enables increased design flexibility in plumbing fixtures, reduces material usage and costs, and maintains a watertight seal by compressing seals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a retention nut is used to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body. The retention nut engages an installation ledge of the housing of the valve cartridge such that the seals in the valve cartridge are compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A one-handle valve cartridge has a low point of contact for installing the valve cartridge in a valve body. A retention nut bears down on the low point of contact to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body.