Adjustable Faucet Spout Using Parallel Pivot Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing faucets with mechanical joints are costly, prone to damage, complex to use, and aesthetically unpleasing due to their bulkiness.

Innovation Solution

A directionally adjustable faucet design featuring parallel rotational interfaces between components, allowing smooth and intuitive adjustment of the spout through multiple planes, reducing resistance and maintaining a sleek appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical joints are used to allow spout adjustment, then the faucet can be positionally adjusted, but the joints become bulky and aesthetically unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional adjustment capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces parallel rotational interfaces that operate on different planes (first plane and second plane), enabling the spout to be adjusted in multiple directions simultaneously. This multi-planar approach allows the faucet to achieve greater positional versatility while maintaining a compact, sleek design without bulky traditional joints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical joints are used for spout adjustment, then the faucet can change direction, but the joints increase in size and appear bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional adjustabilityVSAvoidjoint size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rotational adjustment mechanism into multiple independent rotational interfaces, each operating on a separate plane. This segmentation allows each interface to be compact while collectively providing comprehensive directional adjustability, eliminating the need for a single large bulky joint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By implementing rotational interfaces on parallel planes, the patent enables directional adjustment through multi-dimensional rotation rather than requiring a single large joint. This approach achieves full directional versatility in a compact configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanical joints are used to enable multi-directional adjustment, then the faucet can be adjusted in multiple directions, but the fixture becomes more difficult to use and adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-directional adjustment capabilityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel rotational interfaces on different planes enable intuitive multi-directional adjustment by allowing the spout to rotate naturally in multiple directions without requiring complex mechanisms. This simplifies user interaction while achieving comprehensive positional adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250215672A1Faucet with multiple parallel pivots
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 KOHLER CO(US)
  • US20250215672A1 patent drawing
  • US20250215672A1 patent drawing
  • US20250215672A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates generally to faucets. More specifically, this application relates to directionally adjustable faucets, where at least two parallel rotational interfaces between components allow the faucet to pivot, rotate, spin, or move. A directionally adjustable primary or beverage faucet can include a first base section coupled to a second base section, a base rotational interface disposed between the first and second base sections along a first plane, a plurality of conduit segments coupled to the second base section, and at least one conduit rotational interface disposed between the plurality of conduit segments along a second plane. The base rotational interface can be configured to actuate the second base section relative to the first base section. The at least one conduit rotational interface can be configured to actuate the plurality of conduit segments relative to each other. The second plane can be parallel with the first plane.