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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.

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    $\begingroup$ What you're looking for is called a "diverter valve", and they are commercially available both in manual and electrically-activated forms. $\endgroup$
    – Dave Tweed
    Commented Feb 8, 2015 at 16:07
  • $\begingroup$ I believe you looking some valving system. Look at mcmaster.com/#valves/=vtkoz0 for examples this should help you get started. Also this might help you too. valworx.com/category/… $\endgroup$
    – Mahendra Gunawardena
    Commented Feb 8, 2015 at 16:22
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    $\begingroup$ @DaveTweed - your comment sounds like an answer. $\endgroup$
    – dcorking
    Commented Feb 8, 2015 at 17:28
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    $\begingroup$ @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. $\endgroup$
    – Dave Tweed
    Commented Feb 8, 2015 at 20:55
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    $\begingroup$ @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. $\endgroup$
    – Praval
    Commented Feb 9, 2015 at 0:41

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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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