Water Discharge Device Switcher Using Diaphragm Valve for Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water discharge devices require a space for a movable grip part to operate a three-way valve, hindering overall downsizing and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A water discharge device utilizing a switcher with a branch flow path, a diaphragm valve, and an on-off valve to switch between water and foam paths, allowing for downsizing and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-way valve with a movable grip part is used for flow path switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the device size increases and overall downsizing is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve functions (three-way valve and on-off valve) into a single integrated valve structure. The grip part serves dual purposes: it acts as both the operating handle for switching flow paths and as part of the valve mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate valve bodies and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip part is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the operating handle for user interaction, as part of the valve sealing mechanism, and as a structural component of the valve assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, enabling device downsizing while maintaining the flow path switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a three-way valve is used for switching between water and foam, then the switching capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the three-way valve and on-off valve into a single integrated valve structure with unified control mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate valve components, seals, and actuating mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to switch between water and foam discharge modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve structure is designed to perform multiple switching functions through a single mechanism. The valve body incorporates multiple flow path configurations that can be controlled by a single grip part operation, reducing structural complexity while providing versatile switching capability between different discharge modes.
3Volume of moving object
If a single on-off valve is used instead of a three-way valve, then downsizing is achieved, but the flow path switching mechanism becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully merges the functionality of a three-way valve into a single on-off valve structure. The valve body is designed with internal flow path geometry that automatically directs flow to different outlets based on the valve position, eliminating the need for complex multi-port valve mechanisms while achieving compact sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body incorporates locally optimized flow path geometries and sealing surfaces that enable a single on-off valve to control multiple flow directions. By carefully designing the internal structure of the valve body with specific sealing locations and flow channels, the patent achieves complex flow switching functionality within a simple single-valve structure.
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
Enables efficient switching between water and foam discharge with a single on-off valve, facilitating device miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining stable flow path switching and reducing pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm valve that opens and closes the first flow path and that separates the first flow path and the second flow path, and a valve seat that is formed in the first flow path and on which the diaphragm valve is seated
Implementation Method 2
an on-off valve that opens and closes the second flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A water discharge device includes a switcher 3 that includes a branch flow path 30 that branches supplied water into a first flow path 31 and a second flow path 32, a diaphragm valve 43 that opens and closes the first flow path 31 and that separates the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32, a valve seat 42 that is formed in the first flow path 31 and on which the diaphragm valve 43 is seated, and an on-off valve 23 that opens and closes the second flow path 32. When the on-off valve 23 is placed in a closed state, the diaphragm valve 43 is separated from the valve seat 42, and water flows to the downstream side through the first flow path 31. When the on-off valve 23 is placed in an open state, the diaphragm valve 43 is seated on the valve seat 42 and blocks the flow in the first flow path 31, and water flows to the downstream side through the second flow path 32.