Valve Cartridge Latching Mechanism Using Helical Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve cartridges face issues with maintaining a constant latching characteristic over time, particularly due to the degradation of resilient plastic components, which affects the control and efficiency of water consumption management.
Innovation Solution
A valve cartridge design featuring a separate, metallic spring-loaded movable latching means integrated into the actuating shaft, interacting with fixed latching means within the bearing sleeve, ensuring consistent performance and adaptability, even with varying handle designs, and allowing for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resilient plastic tongues are used as stop means, then the device can be manufactured with simple materials and processes, but the latching characteristic changes over time due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from resilient plastic to elastic metal (spring element), which fundamentally alters the degradation characteristics. Metal springs maintain their elastic properties over time much better than plastic, thus resolving the reliability issue while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through standard spring fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a metal spring element within the plastic handle structure, creating a composite system that combines the manufacturing advantages of plastic with the reliable elastic properties of metal. This allows the handle to be manufactured simply while the internal spring provides consistent latching characteristics
2Reliability
If a metallic spring element is used instead of plastic, then the service life and spring characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handle into an outer plastic housing and an internal metal spring component. This allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimal processes for each material, then assembled together. The plastic housing can be injection molded while the spring can be formed or coiled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite using metal
3Device complexity
If the latching means is integrated into the handle, then the valve cartridge design is simplified, but the latching function is lost when handles with different designs are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical latching function by providing a recess with spring element in the valve cartridge body itself, separate from the handle. This ensures that regardless of handle design variations, the core latching mechanism remains integrated in the cartridge and maintains its function, while still allowing different handle designs to be attached
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 solution provides a reliable, long-lasting latching mechanism that maintains consistent resistance characteristics, allowing users to control water consumption effectively without increased space requirements, while being adaptable to different handle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a movable latching means (53, 53') which is acted upon by a helical spring (46, 46')
Implementation Method 2
the movable latching means has a metallic spring element, in particular a helical spring
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~11
Figure 12~13
AI summary
The valve cartridge has a valve housing (1) and a bearing sleeve that is arranged in the valve housing in a twistable manner. An actuating shaft (5) is supported around an axis supported in the bearing sleeve in a pivotable manner. An effective detent is provided for forming a resting position for the movement of the actuating shaft.