Adjustable Rough-in Assembly for Free-standing Faucets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rough-in assemblies for free-standing faucets are limited by weight, adaptability to different water supply pipe arrangements, and can cause floor damage due to improper fastening, restricting their widespread use and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A rough-in assembly with adjustable water-contact members and a sleeve mounting seat that allows for flexible pipe arrangement and secure floor attachment without damaging the floor, using a base connected to a support board with fasteners and a protective cover for stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base is made from metals such as copper-based metals, then the base has sufficient strength, but the base becomes too heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the base from traditional heavy metals (copper-based) to lightweight materials such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, while maintaining sufficient strength through material selection and structural design optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the base, combining lightweight materials with reinforcing structures or coatings to achieve both reduced weight and maintained strength requirements
2Device complexity
If the water supply port is located at a specific position of the base, then the base structure is simple, but it cannot meet various water supply pipe arrangement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the base with multiple water supply ports positioned at different locations and angles, enabling a single base structure to accommodate various water supply pipe arrangements (in-line, perpendicular, angled configurations) without requiring custom bases for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable or rotatable components that allow the water supply ports to be repositioned or oriented according to different pipe layouts, providing flexibility while maintaining a standardized base design
3Reliability
If the base and free-standing mounting assembly firmly clamp the floor by fasteners, then the installation is secure, but the floor may be damaged with dents and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective pad or cushioning layer between the clamping components and the floor surface, which distributes the clamping force over a larger area and prevents direct contact that would cause dents and deformation, while still maintaining secure installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary protective element (such as a rubber or plastic pad) that mediates between the metal clamping components and the floor, transferring the clamping force without damaging the floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A rough-in assembly for free-standing faucets is revealed. The rough-in assembly having at least a part thereof fixed under a floor includes a base, a first water-contact member and a second water-contact member separated from each other and disposed on the base, and a sleeve mounting seat connected to the base and provided with a top plate portion extending across the first and second water-contact members. Two first hollow-out holes are arranged at the top plate portion and corresponding to control valve sets of the water-contact members respectively. The top plate portion is also for installation and positioning of the free-standing faucet. The position and the direction of least one of the water-contact members can be adjusted so that the rough-in assembly is adapted to use in different water supply pipe arrangements. The disposition of the sleeve mounting seat ensures stability and aesthetics of the free-standing faucet.