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I am an electronics engineer trying to build one small underwater mechanical device (about 12 cubic cm) as part of a personal automation project. I have figured out the electronics for this, but I am stuck at one mechanical problem.

I want to make a 3D printable CAD model of the device. Please tell me what kind of mechanism I need, and explain its working principles.

Description: Each device will have one inlet and two outlets ($o_A$ and $o_B$). The inlet is at the top and the outlets $o_A$ and $o_B$ are at the bottom. In an underwater installation, these devices would be placed vertically one below other, interconnected with 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Outlet $o_A$ of the above device will be connected with the inlet of the below device with 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Normally, the solids falling down from the inlet should flow down vertically through the bottom outlet, $o_A$. But occasionally the solids needs to be diverted to the other outlet, $o_B$. How can this be done?

Update I see from the comments that 'Diverter Valve' is what I was looking for. Please explain its working principles.

dcorking
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Praval
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    What you're looking for is called a "diverter valve", and they are commercially available both in manual and electrically-activated forms. – Dave Tweed Feb 08 '15 at 16:07
  • I believe you looking some valving system. Look at http://www.mcmaster.com/#valves/=vtkoz0 for examples this should help you get started. Also this might help you too. http://www.valworx.com/category/electric-actuated-pvc-3-way-ball-valves-l-port-115v-240v – Mahendra Gunawardena Feb 08 '15 at 16:22
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    @DaveTweed - your comment sounds like an answer. – dcorking Feb 08 '15 at 17:28
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    @dcorking: It was more of a provisionary answer, pending additional information from the OP, hopefully explaining why solids are passing through his mechanism and why it needs to be underwater. – Dave Tweed Feb 08 '15 at 20:55
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    @DaveTweed and Mahendra Gunawardena: Thank you for your suggestions. 'Diverter Valve' is what I was looking for. Since I want to make a 3D printable CAD model of the device, I am trying to understand the working principles of these diverter valves and incorporate it appropriately into my design. – Praval Feb 09 '15 at 00:41
  • @Praval As you understand your question better, please post the updates in the question (or as a new question) instead of in comments, which are temporary. I proposed an edit to the question that incorporates your latest comment. – dcorking Feb 09 '15 at 08:28

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As Dave Tweed mentioned, this is a simple example of a diverter valve. It allows flow to be directed to one or the other output.

Diagram from valve manufacturer

Valve manufacturer site

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Olek Wojnar
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