Valve Top Handle Locking for Mechanical Push-Button Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve tops for sanitary fittings face challenges with electromagnetic valves, including reliability issues due to affected contacts during installation, the need for an additional voltage source, and lack of quantity control.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a handle that can be axially locked in relation to a control spindle, utilizing a ball mechanism for guided movement and a spring for automatic return, allowing for retrofitting of existing valve mounts and enabling torque transmission for valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electromagnetic valves are used for push-button operation, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contact damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuation with a purely mechanical push-button mechanism. The button (20) directly transmits mechanical force through a push rod (21) to actuate the valve body (10), eliminating electromagnetic contacts entirely while maintaining automated push-button operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the electromagnetic actuator from the valve assembly, retaining only the essential push-button interface and mechanical transmission components. This eliminates the problematic electromagnetic contacts while preserving the desired push-button operation capability.
2Extent of automation
If electromagnetic valves are used, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical actuation for electromagnetic actuation, eliminating the need for power sources, electrical wiring, and control electronics. The simple mechanical push-button directly actuates the valve through a push rod, significantly reducing device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If electromagnetic valves are used, then automation is improved, but functionality deteriorates as flow control is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a valve body (10) with adjustable positioning capability that can be moved to different axial positions by the push-button mechanism. This allows dynamic adjustment of flow control characteristics, enabling the valve to adapt to different flow control requirements while maintaining push-button operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing valve heads are retrofitted with push-to-actuate mechanisms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated cam tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retrofit solution into separate modular components: a push-button assembly (20, 21) that can be independently installed on existing valve spindles. This modular approach eliminates the need for integrated cam tracks in the original valve head, reducing complexity while maintaining retrofitting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a simple push rod (21) as an intermediary component that translates the push-button motion into spindle actuation. This intermediary mechanism provides a straightforward retrofit solution that works with existing valve spindles without requiring complex integrated cam track modifications.
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, effort-efficient operating device for valve tops that can be retrofitted, offering improved reliability and functionality without the need for additional voltage, while allowing for precise control of valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for moving the control cylinder back into the initial position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a ball mechanism for guided movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for a valve head for sanitary fittings, which has a control spindle (81) by means of which a valve body can be actuated and which has a connection section, wherein the operating device comprises a handle (1) which has a receptacle (54) for rotationally fixed connection with the connection section of the control spindle (81), wherein the handle (1) is arranged to be axially displaceable relative to the receptacle (54) and wherein a locking device is arranged by means of which the handle (1) can be fixed in at least two defined axial positions relative to a control spindle (81) received by the receptacle (54).