Valve Top Automatic Reset via Control Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper valve parts do not automatically return to the 'completely closed' position after fluid dispensing, leading to inefficiencies in water usage, particularly when dispensing hot water.

Innovation Solution

An upper valve part design where the control sleeve is connected to the spindle in an axially displaceable manner via a form fit, with a spring prestressing the control sleeve against the headpiece, and featuring sloping guide edges that increase the restoring force when rotated, allowing automatic return to the 'completely closed' position after actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the valve body remains in the open position after actuation, then fluid dispensing is maintained, but water usage increases unnecessarily and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidautomatic resetting function
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body automatically returns to the closed position without manual intervention. The spring (7) stores potential energy during opening and automatically restores the valve to closed position, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user action to reset the valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control sleeve (6) with guide edges (64, 171) provides mechanical feedback through the spring mechanism. When the valve opens, the control sleeve rotates and compresses the spring; when actuation stops, the spring expands and automatically returns the valve to closed position, creating a feedback loop that ensures complete closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If a spring mechanism with control sleeve is added to enable automatic resetting, then water usage is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater wasteVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control sleeve (6) serves multiple functions: it guides the spindle (2), transmits rotational motion, provides mechanical feedback through guide edges, and acts as a mounting structure for the spring mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control sleeve integrates the spring mounting structure, guide edges for mechanical feedback, and spindle guidance into a single component. The guide edges (64, 171) are formed directly on the control sleeve, merging the feedback mechanism with the control structure itself, thereby simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures automatic resetting to the 'completely closed' position after fluid dispensing, optimizing water usage by preventing unnecessary flow and allowing for defined delivery quantities.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (7) prestressing the control sleeve (6) against the head piece (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2829779B1Valve top
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP2829779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2829779B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2829779B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve top with a head (1) which is centrally penetrated by a spindle (2) which is rotatably mounted in the head (1) about its longitudinal axis and via which a valve body can be actuated, wherein the spindle (2) is provided with a control sleeve (6) which interacts with a control contour (17) arranged on the head (1) in such a way that, after actuation of the valve body via the spindle (2) in a defined direction, an automatic return of the valve body to a basic position is effected.