Adjustable Plumbing Fitting Outlet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In plumbing installations, accurately positioning and securing outlets to project the correct distance from a structure is challenging due to uncertainty about the wall cladding, often requiring post-installation adjustments like hacksawing, which is impractical and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing fitting with a body and mounting means that allows the outlet to be slidably adjusted along its axis to project a desired distance and restrained from rotating, enabling precise positioning and secure fastening to a structure, facilitating easier installation and minimizing post-installation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the outlet position is fixed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different wall cladding thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is made adjustable along its axis through a sliding mechanism, transforming from a fixed static position to a dynamic adjustable position. This allows the outlet to adapt to different wall cladding thicknesses while maintaining precise positioning capability through locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet assembly is divided into separable components that can slide relative to each other along the outlet axis. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of the outlet position while keeping the body portion fixed, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet is made adjustable along the axis, then the adaptability to different wall cladding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding mechanism with locking capability is introduced to enable axial adjustment of the outlet. This dynamic feature provides adaptability to different wall cladding thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through straightforward mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is pre-configured within the fitting structure, allowing the outlet to be positioned at the correct distance before final installation. This preliminary positioning capability reduces the need for post-installation modifications and simplifies the overall installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If post-installation cutting is performed to adjust outlet projection, then the adaptability to achieve correct projection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet position is adjusted and locked at the correct projection distance during the installation process itself, before final connections are made. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for difficult post-installation cutting operations and provides a neat appearance immediately upon completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding and locking mechanism allows the outlet to be easily adjusted to the precise required projection distance during installation. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for post-installation cutting operations, significantly improving ease of operation while achieving the correct outlet projection.
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing fitting includes a body portion 1 which is secured to a structure such as a wall framing in use by means of a mounting means 2. An inlet means 3 is linked to an outlet means 4 by means of an internal passage in the body portion. The inlet means is adapted to be secured to distributor pipework or hoses in use and the outlet means is adapted to be coupled to a flexible hose or a tap where it projects through a wall lining. The body portion 1 can slide within the mounting means 2, if sufficient force is used, so that after the coupling is made to an extended outlet means 4 the outlet means can be pushed back towards the wall structure to assist in the provision of a neat appearance.