Adjustable Actuator for Consistent Faucet Plate Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablutionary control installations require trimming of back and front plates to accommodate varying wall cavity depths, leading to inconsistent projection of the front plate from the wall, which is not ideal from a design perspective.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length actuator system that allows for varying the distance from the mounting surface to the actuator, enabling the front plate to project a constant distance from the wall, potentially eliminating the need for trimming and reducing the accuracy required for a flush finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trimming of back plate and front plate is performed to accommodate varying wall cavity depths, then the control member can be made to sit flush with the faceplate, but the projection distance of the front plate from the wall becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with an adjustable length mechanism that allows it to be extended or retracted to different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the actuator to compensate for variations in wall cavity depth, allowing the front plate to maintain a consistent projection distance from the wall while still achieving a flush finish between the control member and faceplate across different installation scenarios.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed length actuators are used, then the assembly process is simpler, but the system cannot accommodate different wall cavity depths
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows it to be configured for different wall cavity depths during installation. This dynamic feature provides adaptability to various installation conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly process, as the adjustment can be made in-situ without requiring complex preconfiguration or multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's length parameter can be changed to accommodate different wall cavity depths. By allowing the actuator length to be adjusted within a range, the system gains versatility to adapt to various installation scenarios while keeping the base design simple and the assembly process straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trimming is required for different wall depths, then installation can be adapted to various cavities, but the accuracy required for trimming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable actuator eliminates or reduces the need for precise trimming by providing a mechanical means to accommodate wall depth variations. The actuator can be extended or retracted to compensate for different cavity depths, thereby maintaining adaptability to various installations while significantly reducing the trimming accuracy requirements compared to fixed-length systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of installing a control suitable for use in an ablutionary setting, comprising the steps: affixing a back plate to a mounting surface, the back plate comprising; a first valve, the first valve comprising a control lever; and an actuator comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface configured to contact a surface of the control lever; adjusting the actuator such that the distance between the first surface and second surface is lengthened or shortened; affixing a faceplate to the back plate, the faceplate comprising a control member arranged to operably connect to the second surface of the actuator.