Portable Water Path Switching with Rolling Ball Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water path switching devices in shower systems face difficulties due to high friction forces generated by sealing gaskets or rings, making the switching process laborious and providing a poor operation experience.
Innovation Solution
A portable water path switching device utilizing a switching assembly with seal balls that block water diversion holes, supported by a ball seat and elastic members, reduces friction through rolling motion and applies elastic force for reliable sealing, allowing easier switching between water outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing gaskets or sealing rings are used to seal water diversion holes, then sealing reliability is improved, but friction force increases making switching laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical seal balls instead of traditional sealing gaskets or rings. The spherical shape allows the seal balls to roll during switching operations, converting sliding friction into rolling friction, which significantly reduces the force required for switching while maintaining effective sealing of water diversion holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sealing system (sealing gaskets or rings that slide against surfaces) with a rolling ball sealing mechanism. This substitution transforms the sealing and switching function into a rolling motion system, reducing friction and improving operability.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing structures are used, then sealing function is achieved, but driving force required for switching is large
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical geometry of the seal balls enables rolling motion during switching, which generates significantly lower frictional resistance compared to sliding密封 structures. This reduces the driving force required to actuate the switching mechanism while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the high-friction sliding sealing mechanism with a low-friction rolling ball mechanism, thereby reducing the force requirement for switching operations while preserving the sealing function.
3Ease of operation
If seal balls are used to reduce friction, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical shape of the seal balls provides both low-friction rolling capability and effective sealing contact with the water diversion holes. The curved surface allows the balls to maintain point or line contact for sealing while rolling, achieving both ease of operation and sealing reliability.
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 device simplifies the switching process by reducing the driving force required, enhances sealing reliability, and improves the operation experience through reduced effort and smoother switching, with the option of different seal ball diameters further optimizing effort and smoothness.
Implementation Method 1
the seal balls switchably block the first water diversion holes and the second water diversion holes... the seal balls are rollably arranged in the water inlet cavity
Implementation Method 2
The switching assembly further includes elastic members, the elastic members are elastically abutted between the seal balls and cavity walls of the ball cavities, and the elastic members apply elastic force to the seal balls
Data Source
AI summary
A portable water path switching device includes a valve body, a water diversion member, and a switching assembly. The valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a water inlet communicating with the valve cavity, and at least two water outlets. The water diversion member is arranged in the valve cavity and at least provided with first water diversion holes and second water diversion holes. The first water diversion holes communicate with the first water outlet, and the second water diversion holes communicate with the second water outlet. The switching assembly is movably connected to the valve body and includes seal balls. When the switching assembly is driven, the seal balls switchably block the first water diversion holes and the second water diversion holes, so that water flow of the water inlet switchably flows to the second water outlet and the first water outlet.