Single-lever Valve Latching Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-lever valves for sanitary applications lack an efficient and secure latching mechanism that requires minimal operating force for disengagement, while maintaining high pretensioning force for secure latching, especially in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A single-lever valve with latching means positioned near the pivot point of the actuating lever, utilizing a latching element and counter-latching element on the thickened bearing section and bearing seat, respectively, allowing for automatic latching and disengagement with reduced operating force and enhanced pretensioning for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If latching means is positioned far from the pivot point of the actuating lever, then the operating force required to disengage the latching means is reduced, but the pretensioning force for secure latching is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means is positioned in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the actuating lever, creating a lever arm in a different dimension. This radial positioning provides both mechanical advantage for easy disengagement and sufficient pretensioning force for secure latching, resolving the contradiction between operating force and latching reliability
2Reliability
If latching means is positioned near the pivot point of the actuating lever, then the pretensioning force for secure latching is enhanced, but the operating force required to disengage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element and counter-latching element are arranged radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the actuating lever. This radial arrangement creates an effective lever arm that reduces the operating force needed while maintaining high pretensioning force near the pivot point, thus resolving the contradiction between secure latching and ease of operation
3Ease of manufacture
If latching means is arranged in the valve housing exit area, then the latching mechanism is accessible, but the design becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means is integrated into the thickened bearing section of the actuating lever, merging the latching function with the existing structural element. This integration simplifies the overall design, reduces the number of separate components, and maintains accessibility while eliminating the need for separate housing exit areas for latching mechanisms
4Volume of moving object
If the actuating lever is made compact, then the overall valve size is reduced, but space for latching means is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element and counter-latching element are nested within the thickened bearing section of the actuating lever. This nesting approach allows the latching mechanism to be contained within the existing structural volume, maintaining a compact actuating lever design while providing sufficient space for the latching means to function effectively
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a single-lever valve with a movably arranged valve body (7), an actuating lever (5) which has a stem-shaped operating section (5a), a thickened bearing section (5b) and a valve body coupling section (5c) coupled to the valve body, and a bearing receptacle (3, 12) in which the actuating lever with its bearing section is movably received within a one- or two-dimensional adjustment range, wherein the adjustment range comprises at least one pivoting movement of the actuating lever about a pivot axis (19) which is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the actuating lever and extends through the thickened bearing section.The single-lever valve according to the invention has at least one detent element which, in a detented position, defines a corresponding detent position of the actuating lever within its adjustment range and can be automatically engaged and disengaged by an actuating movement of the actuating lever. It includes a detent element (15) and a counter-detent element (14a) interacting with it, one of which is formed on the thickened bearing section of the actuating lever and the other on the bearing receptacle. It can be used, for example, as a single-lever mixing valve for sanitary fittings.