Actuation Device Button Assembly Aid for Flush Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for actuating sanitary article valves, such as bathtub drain valves, face challenges in ensuring precise and flush attachment of buttons due to tolerance deviations and damage protection during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A kit with an assembly aid that positions and secures buttons in recessed positions on receiving parts, allowing for flush attachment and providing protection during construction, using a detachable locking mechanism with toothing and a radially projecting collar for precise positioning and rotationally fixed attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button is attached to a receiving part using a pin and snap mechanism, then the button can be quickly assembled, but it is difficult to ensure the desired flushness of the button with the housing outer surface due to tolerance deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning ring as an intermediary component between the button and the receiving part. This positioning ring has an inner circumference that engages with the button's outer circumference and an outer circumference that engages with the receiving part's inner circumference. The positioning ring acts as a mediator that transfers and aligns the button precisely with the housing opening, ensuring flushness while maintaining easy assembly through the snap mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning ring is pre-installed on the receiving part before the button is attached. This preliminary action establishes the correct positioning and alignment features in advance, so that when the button is subsequently snapped onto the receiving part, it automatically achieves the desired flush position without requiring additional adjustment or tooling.
2Device complexity
If the button is attached directly to the receiving part, then the assembly is simple, but the button may be damaged during the construction phase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning ring is installed on the receiving part before the button is attached to it. This preliminary installation creates a protective interface that prevents direct contact and potential damage between the button and the receiving part during the assembly process, while still maintaining a simple overall assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning ring serves as a cushioning element that is placed beforehand between the button and the receiving part. It absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses during assembly, preventing concentration of forces that could damage the button, while requiring minimal additional complexity to the assembly process.
3Reliability
If the button is securely fastened to the receiving part, then the attachment is reliable, but the button cannot be easily removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic snap-fit mechanism with elastic elements that provide both secure attachment and controlled reversibility. The button is fastened with sufficient force to ensure reliable operation during use, but the elastic nature of the connection allows for controlled deformation during removal, enabling easy detachment and repositioning without permanent damage or complex tools.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The device has a housing (5) with an opening (4) in which a button (15) is attached to a receiving part (8) movably mounted within the housing (5). A mounting aid (36) is provided, enabling the button (15) to be inserted into the opening (4) of the housing (5), positioned recessed within it, and attached to the receiving part (8). Serrations (23, 27) on the receiving part (8) and on the button (15) allow for easy and depth-adjustable attachment of the button (15) to the receiving part (8).