Abstract:
An assembly for a thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body including a first fluid channel having a first inlet port for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply line, a second fluid channel having a second inlet port for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply line, and a cartridge chamber having a first layer, a second layer offset from the first layer, and an opening for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge. A first removable insert guides the first fluid to the first layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the first layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. A second removable insert guides the first fluid to the second layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the second layer when inserted into the second fluid channel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/775,248, filed Mar. 8, 2013. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/775,248 is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to fluid mixing valves and more particularly to thermostatic mixing valves having an improved adaptability to an inverted fluid supply configuration. 
         [0003]    Thermostatic mixing valves can provide a source of water having a desired temperature and can maintain the desired water temperature substantially constant once set. Such devices are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,604 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,850 describe various embodiments of a thermostatic mixing valve. Typically, the desired water temperature is obtained by controlling the relative proportions of hot and cold water admitted to a mixing chamber and adjusting the relative proportions to maintain the desired water temperature substantially constant. 
         [0004]    To control the relative proportions of hot and cold water admitted to the mixing chamber, a temperature-sensitive element can be provided. The temperature-sensitive element may expand or contract based on the temperature of the water in the mixing chamber. The temperature-sensitive element may be connected to a piston configured to variably adjust an amount of the hot or cold water permitted to enter the mixing chamber based on the state of the temperature-sensitive element. 
         [0005]    While these thermostatic mixing valves are known in the art, these devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, current thermostatic mixing valves may not operate properly unless the hot and cold water enter the valve through designated hot and cold fluid inlet ports. If the thermostatic valve is improperly connected, the temperature-sensitive element may cause the piston to open or close the wrong inlet port in response to a change in temperature. 
         [0006]    Current solutions to this problem typically involve replumbing the hot and cold water supply lines or reinstalling the valve in an upside-down configuration such that the hot and cold water enter the valve through the proper inlet ports. However, such solutions are burdensome and may require the wall to be broken and reconstructed. There remains a need for a thermostatic mixing valve that can adapt to an inverted fluid supply line configuration. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    One implementation of the present disclosure is an assembly for a thermostatic mixing valve. The assembly includes a valve body, a first removable insert, and a second removable insert. The valve body includes a first fluid channel having a first inlet port for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply line, a second fluid channel having a second inlet port for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply line, and a cartridge chamber having a first layer, a second layer offset from the first layer, and an opening for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge. Each of the first and second removable inserts may be inserted into either the first fluid channel or the second fluid channel. The first removable insert guides the first fluid to the first layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the first layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. The second removable insert guides the first fluid to the second layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the second layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the first fluid channel has a first insert opening in addition to the first inlet port and the second fluid channel has a second insert opening in addition to the second inlet port. In some embodiments, wherein the first and second removable inserts are insertable into the first and second fluid channels via the first and second insert openings. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the first insert opening and the second insert opening are located along a same surface of the valve body. In some embodiments, the first removable insert and the second removable insert are inserted into the first and second openings in a same direction as the thermostatic cartridge is inserted into the cartridge chamber. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the valve body further includes a mixing chamber fluidly connected with the cartridge chamber for receiving the thermostatic mixing cartridge, a second cartridge chamber for receiving a volume control cartridge, and a fluid passage connecting the mixing chamber with the second cartridge chamber. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the first fluid channel includes a first connection port fluidly connected with the first layer of the cartridge chamber and a second connection port fluidly connected with the second layer of the cartridge chamber. In some embodiments, the second fluid channel includes a third connection port fluidly connected with the first layer of the cartridge chamber and a fourth connection port fluidly connected with the second layer of the cartridge chamber. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are substantially cylindrical channels extending completely through the valve body and the connection ports are openings in circumferential faces of the first and second fluid channels. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, each of the first and second removable inserts is a substantially cylindrical shell having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a circumferential surface connecting the open end with the closed end. In some embodiments, the closed ends completely cover openings in the valve body through which the removable inserts are inserted into the first and second fluid channels when the removable inserts are inserted into the fluid channels. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, each of the first and second removable inserts include a plurality of openings in the circumferential surfaces thereof. In some embodiments, the openings in the circumferential surface of the first removable insert are configured to align with the first layer of the cartridge chamber when the first removable insert is inserted into either of the first or second fluid channels. In some embodiments, the openings in the circumferential surface of the second removable insert are configured to align with the second layer of the cartridge chamber when the second removable insert is inserted into either of the first or second fluid channels. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the first and second removable inserts are configured to receive the first and second fluids via the open ends thereof and to guide the first and second fluids to a subset of the connection ports when inserted into the first and second fluid channels. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the first removable insert is configured to guide the first fluid to the first connection port when inserted into the first fluid channel and to guide the second fluid to the third connection port when inserted into the second fluid channel. In some embodiments, the second removable insert is configured to guide the first fluid to the second connection port when inserted into the first fluid channel and to guide the second fluid to the fourth connection port when inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the first removable insert has an opening in a circumferential surface thereof. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to align with the first connection port when the first removable insert is inserted into the first fluid channel and to align with the third connection port when the first removable insert is inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the circumferential surface of the first removable insert prevents the first fluid from flowing through the second connection port when the first removable insert is inserted into the first fluid channel and prevents the second fluid from flowing through the fourth connection port when the first removable insert is inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the second removable insert has an opening in a circumferential surface thereof. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to align with the second connection port when the second removable insert is inserted into the first fluid channel and to align with the fourth connection port when the second removable insert is inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the circumferential surface of the second removable insert prevents the first fluid from flowing through the first connection port when the second removable insert is inserted into the first fluid channel and prevents the second fluid from flowing through the third connection port when the second removable insert is inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0021]    Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for inverting a fluid supply within a thermostatic mixing valve. The method includes providing a valve body having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and a cartridge chamber. The first fluid channel includes a first inlet port for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply line and the second fluid channel includes a second inlet port for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply line. The cartridge chamber has a first layer, a second layer offset from the first layer, and an opening for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge. The method further includes removing one of a first removable insert and a second removable insert from the first fluid channel, removing the other of the first removable insert and the second removable insert from the second fluid channel, inserting the one of the first removable insert and the second removable insert into the second fluid channel, and inserting the other of the first removable insert and the second removable insert into the first fluid channel. The first removable insert guides the first fluid to the first layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the first layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. The second removable insert guides the first fluid to the second layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the second layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the first fluid channel has a first insert opening in addition to the first inlet port and the second fluid channel has a second insert opening in addition to the second inlet port. In some embodiments, the first and second removable inserts are insertable into the first and second fluid channels via the first and second insert openings. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the first fluid channel includes a first connection port fluidly connected with the first layer of the cartridge chamber and a second connection port fluidly connected with the second layer of the cartridge chamber. In some embodiments, the second fluid channel includes a third connection port fluidly connected with the first layer of the cartridge chamber and a fourth connection port fluidly connected with the second layer of the cartridge chamber. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, each of the first and second removable inserts is a substantially cylindrical shell having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, a circumferential surface connecting the open end with the closed end, and an opening in the circumferential surface thereof. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, inserting the first removable insert into the first fluid channel blocks the second connection port with the circumferential surface thereof and aligns the first connection port with the opening in the circumferential surface. In some embodiments, inserting the first removable insert into the second fluid channel blocks the fourth connection port with the circumferential surface thereof and aligns the third connection port with the opening in the circumferential surface. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, inserting the second removable insert into the first fluid channel blocks the first connection port with the circumferential surface thereof and aligns the second connection port with the opening in the circumferential surface. In some embodiments, inserting the second removable insert into the second fluid channel blocks the third connection port with the circumferential surface thereof and aligns the fourth connection port with the opening in the circumferential surface. 
         [0027]    Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for providing a thermostatic mixing valve. The method includes providing a valve body including a first fluid channel having a first inlet port for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply line, a second fluid channel having a second inlet port for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply line, and a cartridge chamber having a first layer, a second layer offset from the first layer, and an opening for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge. The method further includes providing a first removable insert configured to be insertable into the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, wherein the first removable insert guides the first fluid to the first layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the first layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. The method further includes providing a second removable insert configured to be insertable into the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, wherein the second removable insert guides the first fluid to the second layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the second layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. 
         [0028]    The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a valve body for a thermostatic mixing valve, the valve body including a first inlet port, a second inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, a pair of openings for receiving removable inserts, and a pair of openings for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge and a volume control cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional plan view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 1  taken along a line A-A visible in  FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the valve body shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along a line B-B shown in  FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 6A-6D  are drawings of a first removable insert for delivering a fluid from either of the first or second inlet ports to a front layer of the thermostatic mixing cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 7A-7D  are drawings of a second removable insert for delivering a fluid from either of the first or second inlet ports to a rear layer of the thermostatic mixing cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 8A-8C  are drawings of an assembled thermostatic mixing valve, showing the first removable insert delivering fluid from the second inlet port to the front layer of the thermostatic mixing cartridge and showing the second removable insert delivering fluid from the first inlet port to the rear layer of the thermostatic mixing cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Before discussing the details of the thermostatic mixing valve and/or the components thereof, it should be noted that references to “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “inner,” “outer,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGURES. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. 
         [0038]    It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids between the two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
         [0039]    Referring generally to the FIGURES, an improved thermostatic mixing valve and components thereof are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The thermostatic mixing valve described herein may receive a hot fluid and a cold fluid from separate fluid supply lines and controllably mix the hot and cold fluids to achieve a desired temperature. The temperature of the mixed fluid may be maintained substantially constant at the desired temperature once set. 
         [0040]    Advantageously, the thermostatic mixing valve of the present disclosure is adaptable to an inverted fluid supply line configuration. Such adaptability is provided by a pair of removable inserts. Each insert may be removed from a front face of the thermostatic valve and inserted into an opening previously occupied by the other insert. Each insert may guide a fluid from an inlet port on an exterior surface of the valve to a specific location within the valve regardless of the opening into which the insert is placed. This adaptability enables the thermostatic mixing valve to operate properly by simply swapping the removable inserts rather than replumbing the hot and cold fluid supply lines or reinstalling the valve in an upside-down configuration. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a valve body  100  for a thermostatic mixing valve is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Valve body  100  is shown to include a first inlet port  102  and a second inlet port  104 . In some implementations, inlet port  102  may be connected to a hot water supply line and inlet port  104  may be connected to a cold water supply line. In other implementations, inlet port  102  may be connected to a cold water supply line and inlet port  104  may be connected to a hot water supply line. Advantageously, valve body  100  is adaptable to support either implementation. Although valve body  100  is described in the context of hot and cold water supply lines, it is contemplated that valve body  100  may be used to controllably mix any type of fluid (e.g., water, oils, liquids, gases, etc.). 
         [0042]    Valve body  100  is shown to further include an outlet port  108 . Outlet  108  may receive a mixed fluid from valve body  100  comprising a controlled mixture of the hot fluid and the cold fluid. In some implementations, outlet port  108  may be fluidly connected to a bathtub spout, a faucet, or a shower head. In other implementations, outlet port  108  may be fluidly connected to other types of plumbing fixtures. The fluidly connected plumbing fixture or fixtures may be located proximate to valve body  100  (e.g., in a same room or building zone, etc.) or remote to valve body  100  (e.g., in a different room, building zone, building, etc.). 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, inlet ports  102 , 104  and outlet port  108  may be located on the rear surface of valve body  100 . In other embodiments, inlet ports  102 , 104  and/or outlet port  108  may be located on a side surface, top surface, bottom surface, front surface, or other surface of valve body  100 . 
         [0044]    Valve body  100  is shown to further include several mounting holes  130 . Holes  130  may be used to secure valve body  100  to a mounting surface such as a wall (e.g., an exterior wall surface, an interior wall surface, studs within a wall, etc.), or to a mounting bracket disposed between valve body  100  and the mounting surface. In some embodiments, holes  130  may be separated by a distance corresponding to a typical distance between wall studs for facilitating the mounting of valve body  100 . Holes  130  may be used to secure a rear surface of valve body  100  to the mounting surface. 
         [0045]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , valve body  100  is shown to further include a first cartridge chamber  112  and a second cartridge chamber  114 . Cartridge chambers  112 , 114  are shown to include an open face disposed along a front surface of valve body  100 . Cartridge chamber  112  may be configured to receive a thermostatic mixing cartridge (e.g., through the open face) for controlling the temperature of the mixed fluid. The thermostatic mixing cartridge may be used to set a desired temperature (e.g., via an attached temperature control handle) and maintain the desired temperature notwithstanding fluctuations in the temperatures of the hot and cold fluids received via inlet ports  102 , 104 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the desired fluid temperature is obtained by controlling the relative proportions of hot and cold fluids admitted to a mixing chamber. To control the relative proportions of the hot and cold fluids admitted to the mixing chamber, a temperature-sensitive element may be provided. The temperature-sensitive element may expand or contract based on the temperature of a fluid in the mixing chamber (e.g., a mixed combination of the hot and cold fluids). In some embodiments, the temperature-sensitive element may be a coiled spring, a sealed chamber contained a temperature-sensitive fluid, or any other material or device having a temperature-dependent quality or attribute. In some embodiments, the temperature-sensitive element may be connected to a piston or poppet. The temperature-sensitive element may be configured to variably adjust an amount of the hot fluid and/or the cold fluid permitted to enter the mixing chamber based on the state of the temperature-sensitive element (e.g., by sliding across a fluid inlet port, by lifting from a face of a fluid inlet port, etc.). 
         [0047]    While a number of thermostatic mixing cartridges could be used with valve body  100 , several examples of suitable cartridges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,279,604 and 7,240,850, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for their description of such devices. Some thermostatic mixing cartridges require the hot temperature fluid and the cold temperature fluid to be delivered to specific locations within the cartridge. Advantageously, valve body  100  can be used with such cartridges regardless of which inlet ports  102 , 104  receive the hot and cold temperature fluids. 
         [0048]    Cartridge chamber  114  may be configured to receive a volume control cartridge for controlling the volumetric flow rate of the mixed fluid. Cartridge chambers  112 , 114  may be connected by a fluid mixing chamber. In operation, the thermostatic mixing cartridge may control an amount (e.g., an absolute amount, a relative proportion, a rate, etc.) of the hot and cold fluids permitted to enter the mixing chamber. The volume control cartridge may control an amount of the mixed fluid permitted to pass from the mixing chamber to outlet ports  108 . 
         [0049]    Valve body  100  is shown to further include a first opening  122  and a second opening  124 . Openings  122 , 124  may be configured to receive removable inserts (e.g., inserts  150 , 160  shown in  FIGS. 6A-7D ) for guiding the hot and cold fluids from inlet ports  102 , 104  to cartridge chamber  112 . Openings  122 , 124  may be disposed along a front surface, top surface, side surface, bottom surface, or any other surface of valve body  100 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of valve body  100  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section shown in  FIG. 4  is taken along the line A-A visible in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , openings  122 , 124  may define a first end of fluid channels  142 , 144  extending at least partially through valve body  100 . In some embodiments, fluid channels  142 , 144  extend entirely through valve body  100 . Fluid channels  142 , 144  may connect openings  122 , 124  with inlet ports  102 , 104  respectively. Fluid channels  142 , 144  may extend from a front surface of valve body  100  (e.g., from openings  122 , 124 ) to a rear surface of valve body  100  (e.g., to inlet ports  102 , 104 ). 
         [0051]    Fluid channel  142  is shown to include a first connection port  145  and a second connection port  147 . Connection ports  145 , 147  may be located along a circumferential face of fluid channel  142 . Connection port  145  may fluidly connect fluid channel  142  with a rear layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . Connection port  147  may fluidly connect fluid channel  142  with a front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . 
         [0052]    Fluid channel  144  is also shown to include a first connection port  143  and a second connection port  149 . Connection ports  143 , 149  may be located along a circumferential face of fluid channel  144 . Connection port  143  may fluidly connect fluid channel  144  with rear layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . Connection port  149  may fluidly connect fluid channel  144  with a front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another cross-sectional view of valve body  100  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section shown in  FIG. 5  is taken along the line B-B visible in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , cartridge chamber  112  is shown to include a front layer  155  and a rear layer  165 . Front layer  155  may be fluidly connected with connection ports  147 , 149 . Rear layer  165  may be fluidly connected with connection ports  143 , 145 . In some embodiments, a thermostatic mixing cartridge inserted into cartridge chamber  112  may variably open and close connection port  147  and/or connection port  149  to control an amount of fluid permitted to enter layer  155  from fluid channel  142  and/or fluid channel  144 . Similarly, the thermostatic mixing cartridge may variably open and close connection port  145  and/or connection port  143  to control an amount of fluid permitted to enter layer  165  from fluid channel  142  and/or fluid channel  144 . In some embodiments, the thermostatic mixing cartridge may control an amount of fluid from layer  155  and/or from layer  165  permitted to enter mixing chamber  170 . 
         [0054]    In operation, the mixed fluid from mixing chamber  170  may travel internally within valve body  100  through fluid channel  172  and into cartridge chamber  114 . A volume control cartridge inserted into cartridge chamber  114  may variable control an amount of the mixed fluid permitted to pass through cartridge chamber  114  to outlet port  108 . In some embodiments, the volume control cartridge may selectively divert the mixed fluid to outlet port  108 . 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6D , a first removable insert  150  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Insert  150  is shown as a generally cylindrical shell  157  having an open end  159  and a closed end  156 . Insert  150  is shown to include a plurality of openings  154  along a circumferential face of shell  157 . In some embodiments, insert  150  may include three openings  154  spaced approximately  120  degrees apart along a circumferential face of shell  157 . A fluid channel  152  is shown extending between open end  159  and openings  154  within shell  157 . 
         [0056]    Removable insert  150  may be inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144  (e.g., via openings  122 , 124 ) in valve body  100 . When insert  150  is inserted into fluid channel  142 , openings  154  may align with connection port  147 . Such alignment may enable a fluid (e.g., a hot fluid or a cold fluid) from inlet port  102  to pass through insert  150  (e.g., via fluid channel  152 ) and enter front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . When insert  150  is inserted into fluid channel  144 , openings  154  may align with connection port  149 . Such alignment may enable a fluid (e.g., a cold fluid or a hot fluid) from inlet port  104  to pass through insert  150  and enter front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . When insert  150  is inserted into either fluid channel  142  or fluid channel  144 , connection ports  143 , 145  may be obstructed by a closed circumferential face of shell  157 . Accordingly, insert  150  may be used to direct a fluid from either of inlet ports  102 , 104  to layer  155  while preventing the fluid from entering layer  165 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, insert  150  may include circumferential grooves  151 , 153  extending along an outer circumferential face of shell  157 . Grooves  151 , 153  may be used to seat a sealing element (e.g., a rubber o-ring, a perimeter seal, etc.) along an outer perimeter of shell  157 . A seal seated in groove  151  may prevent leakage between layers  155 , 165  when insert  150  is inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144 . A seal seated in groove  153  may prevent leakage between layer  165  and mixing chamber  170  when insert  150  is inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144 . In some embodiments, insert  150  may further include a slot  158  along an outer surface of closed end  156 . Slot  158  may be used to rotate insert  150  relative to valve body  100  or grip insert  150  for facilitating removal from fluid channels  142 , 144 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7D , a second removable insert  160  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Insert  160  is shown to include a generally cylindrical shell portion  167 , a closed end  166 , and a solid portion  170  extending between closed end  166  and shell portion  167 . Shell portion  167  is shown to include an open end  169  and a plurality of openings  164  along a circumferential face thereof. In some embodiments, insert  160  may include three openings  164  spaced approximately  120  degrees apart along a circumferential face of shell  167 . A fluid channel  162  is shown extending between open end  169  and openings  164  within shell  167 . 
         [0059]    Removable insert  160  may be inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144  (e.g., via openings  122 , 124 ) in valve body  100 . When insert  160  is inserted into fluid channel  142 , openings  164  may align with connection port  145 . Such alignment may enable a fluid from inlet port  102  to pass through insert  160  (e.g., via fluid channel  162 ) and enter rear layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . When insert  160  is inserted into fluid channel  144 , openings  164  may align with connection port  143 . Such alignment may enable a fluid from inlet port  104  to pass through insert  160  and rear front layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . When insert  160  is inserted into either fluid channel  142  or fluid channel  144 , connection ports  147 , 149  may be obstructed by solid portion  170 . Accordingly, insert  160  may be used to direct a fluid from either of inlet ports  102 , 104  to layer  165  while preventing the fluid from entering layer  155 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, insert  160  may include circumferential grooves  161 , 163  extending along an outer circumferential face of shell  167 . Grooves  161 , 163  may be used to seat a sealing element (e.g., a rubber o-ring, a perimeter seal, etc.) along an outer perimeter of shell  167 . A seal seated in groove  161  may prevent leakage between layers  155 , 165  when insert  160  is inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144 . A seal seated in groove  163  may prevent leakage between layer  165  and mixing chamber  170  when insert  160  is inserted into either of fluid channels  142 , 144 . In some embodiments, insert  160  may further include a slot  168  along an outer surface of closed end  166 . Slot  168  may be used to rotate insert  160  relative to valve body  100  or grip insert  160  for facilitating removal from fluid channels  142 , 144 . 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8C , an assembled thermostatic mixing valve  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring specifically to  FIG. 8A , a front view of mixing valve  200  is shown. Thermostatic mixing valve  200  is shown to include valve body  100 , removable insert  150 , removable insert  160 , a thermostatic mixing cartridge  180 , and a volume control cartridge  190 . Removable insert  150  is shown inserted into fluid channel  144  and removable insert  160  is shown inserted into fluid channel  142 . In other implementations, removable insert  150  may be inserted into fluid channel  142  and removable insert  160  may be inserted into fluid channel  144 . The positions of inserts  150 , 160  may be swapped to adapt thermostatic mixing valve  200  to various hot and cold fluid inlet configurations. Thermostatic mixing cartridge  180  is shown inserted into cartridge chamber  112  and volume control cartridge  190  is shown inserted into cartridge chamber  114 . 
         [0062]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 8B , a cross-sectional view of mixing valve  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section shown in  FIG. 8B  is taken along a line G-G visible in  FIG. 8A . As shown in  FIG. 8B , a first fluid (e.g., hot water) may enter valve body  100  through inlet port  102  and travel through fluid channel  162  within removable insert  160 . The first fluid may exit fluid channel  162  via openings  164  and pass through connection port  145  into rear layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . The first fluid may be blocked from reaching connection port  147  and front layer  155  by solid portion  170 . 
         [0063]    A second fluid (e.g., cold water) may enter valve body  100  through inlet port  104  and travel through fluid channel  152  within removable insert  150 . The second fluid may exit fluid channel  152  via openings  154  and pass through connection port  149  into front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . The second fluid may be blocked from connection port  143  by a closed circumferential face of shell  157 . Accordingly, the arrangement shown in  FIG. 8B  may deliver the first fluid (e.g., from inlet port  102 ) to layer  165  and deliver the second fluid (e.g., from inlet port  104 ) to layer  155 . 
         [0064]    Advantageously, thermostatic mixing valve  200  may be adjusted to deliver the first fluid to layer  155  and deliver the second fluid to layer  165 . Such adjustment may be performed by removing insert  150  from fluid channel  144  and removing insert  160  from fluid channel  142 . Each of inserts  150 , 160  may then be reinserted into valve body  100  into the fluid channel previously occupied by the other insert. That is, insert  150  may be inserted into fluid channel  142  and insert  160  may be inserted into fluid channel  144 . 
         [0065]    After swapping inserts  150  and  160 , the first fluid (e.g., hot water) may still enter valve body  100  through inlet port  102 . However, the first fluid will now travel through fluid channel  152  within removable insert  150 . The first fluid may exit fluid channel  152  via openings  154  and pass through connection port  147  into front layer  155  of cartridge chamber  112 . The first fluid may be blocked from connection port  145  by a closed circumferential face of shell  157 . 
         [0066]    The second fluid (e.g., cold water) may still enter valve body  100  through inlet port  104 . However, the second fluid will now travel through fluid channel  162  within removable insert  160 . The second fluid may exit fluid channel  162  via openings  164  and pass through connection port  143  into rear layer  165  of cartridge chamber  112 . The second fluid may be blocked from reaching connection port  149  and front layer  155  by solid portion  170 . Accordingly, after swapping inserts  150 , 160 , the first fluid (e.g., from inlet port  102 ) is delivered to layer  155  and the second fluid (e.g., from inlet port  104 ) is delivered to layer  165 . 
         [0067]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 8C , another cross-sectional view of mixing valve  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section shown in  FIG. 8C  is taken along a line H-H visible in  FIG. 8A . As shown in  FIG. 8C , thermostatic mixing cartridge  180  may control an amount of the first and second fluids permitted to enter mixing chamber  170 . In some embodiments, thermostatic mixing cartridge  180  may exercise temperature control by variably opening and closing connection ports  145 , 143 , 147 , 149 . The first and second fluids may combine in mixing chamber  170  and travel through fluid passage  172  to cartridge chamber  114 . Volume control cartridge  190  may exercise volume control over the mixed fluid by increasing or decreasing an amount of the mixed fluid permitted to pass through cartridge chamber  114 . The mixed fluid may exit valve body  100  via outlet port  108 . 
         [0068]    Advantageously, swapping inserts  150  and  160  adaptively inverts the destination layers (e.g., layer  155  and  165 ) of the fluids from ports  102 , 104  without requiring a user to replumb the fluid supply lines or reinstall valve body  100  in the mounting surface. This adaptability enables thermostatic mixing valve  200  to operate properly without replumbing the hot and cold fluid supply lines or reinstalling valve  200  in an upside-down configuration. 
         [0069]    The construction and arrangement of the elements of the thermostatic mixing valves and components thereof as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. The elements and assemblies may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0070]    The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.