Valve Flap Unit With Ferromagnetic Stop for Drain Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain valve systems for washbasins lack effective mechanisms for maintaining a secure seal and reliable operation under water pressure, particularly in terms of valve flap positioning and closure forces.
Innovation Solution
A valve flap unit with a support element, bearing axis, and actuating lever, utilizing ferromagnetic attraction between stop sections and the actuating lever to provide closing and holding forces, allowing the valve flap to be securely positioned on a valve seat, with a Bowden cable system for balanced force application and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical stop mechanism is used to position the valve flap, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient under water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical stop mechanism with a ferromagnetic attraction system. Magnets are embedded in the stop sections, which interact with ferromagnetic components on the actuating lever to provide a reliable holding force that can counteract water pressure, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the stop mechanism by introducing magnetic fields. The stop sections are equipped with magnets that generate ferromagnetic attraction forces, transforming the stop mechanism from a purely mechanical contact-based system to one that utilizes magnetic field interactions for providing holding force.
2Reliability
If a stronger closing force is applied to ensure sealing, then the seal reliability improves, but the force required to open the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic attraction provides a holding force that is sufficient to maintain the closed position under normal operating conditions, but not excessively strong to prevent opening. The magnetic force is calibrated to be just enough to ensure reliable sealing while allowing the valve to be opened when necessary.
3Reliability
If the actuating lever is made entirely of ferromagnetic material to enhance magnetic interaction, then the holding force improves, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire actuating lever ferromagnetic, the patent applies ferromagnetic material only to specific components or sections that need to interact with the magnetic stop sections. This localized application of ferromagnetic material provides the necessary holding force while minimizing the overall weight increase.
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 ferromagnetic attraction ensures the valve flap remains in a determined position, providing a tight seal and reliable operation between open and closed states, effectively managing water pressure and extending the service life of the cable.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic attraction occurs between the stop section and the operating lever
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve flap assembly (1) for a drain valve of a sanitary article, in particular a washbasin, comprises a support element (2) with a bearing point (3) and a valve unit (4) with a bearing axis (5), a valve flap (6) projecting from the bearing axis (5) and an actuating lever (7) projecting from the bearing axis (5), wherein the valve unit (4) is pivotably mounted in the bearing point (3) with the bearing axis (5), wherein at least one stop section (9, 10) cooperating with a stop area (8) of the actuating lever (7) is arranged on the support element (2), which provides a stop for the actuating lever (7), and wherein the at least one stop section (9, 10) of the support element (2) and the stop area (8) of the actuating lever (7) are designed such that a ferromagnetic attraction occurs between the stop section (9, 10) and the actuating lever (7).