Aerator Locking Mechanism for Easy Contamination-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerator removal methods are difficult due to the locking element's resistance to movement from its rest position, often requiring force application against a transverse contact surface and maintaining a buffer space, which can become contaminated and complicate removal.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tool that engages with the aerator's undercut and spring element, allowing the spring to be compressed to release the locking mechanism, decoupling the release mechanism from the pulling mechanism, and simplifying the removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking element is supported against a transverse contact surface of the fitting outlet, then axial fixation is achieved, but a buffer space must be maintained which can become contaminated and complicates removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking element from the buffer space environment by introducing a tool with a projection that directly engages the locking element's undercut. This allows the locking element to be actuated without requiring a buffer space, eliminating the contamination problem while maintaining secure fixation during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's projection acts as an intermediary mechanism to transfer force to the locking element's undercut. This intermediary approach allows direct actuation of the locking element without requiring axial movement through a buffer space, thereby eliminating the contamination issue while maintaining fixation reliability.
2Reliability
If the locking element is spread apart from the aerator housing, then the aerator can be held in place, but the locking element is difficult to move from its rest position to a removal position
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is pre-configured with a projection that engages the undercut of the locking element before actuation begins. This preliminary engagement allows the locking element to be smoothly actuated from its rest position to the removal position without requiring significant force or complex manipulation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining holding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is actuated in a direction transverse to the insertion direction by engaging the undercut with the tool's projection. This dimensional change in the actuation direction allows the locking element to be moved from its rest position to removal position more easily, improving operational ease while maintaining secure holding during normal use.
3Ease of operation
If a tool is inserted into a gap between the fitting and the aerator to engage the spring element, then the spring element can be moved, but the gap must be precise and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gap precision requirement by having the tool's projection directly engage the undercut of the locking element. This direct engagement mechanism eliminates the need for a precise gap between the fitting and aerator, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining ease of spring element actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection on the tool serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the tool and locking element without requiring a precise gap in the fitting-aerator assembly. This intermediary approach allows the spring element to be actuated easily while reducing the complexity of the overall system by eliminating precise gap requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method facilitates easy and efficient removal of the aerator by compressing the spring element with the tool, eliminating the need for axial fixation and reducing the risk of contamination, thus simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
a locking element (4) which is actuated by a spring element (5) arranged within a recess (35) of the housing (3) and accessible from outside the fitting outlet (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for removing an aerator (1) from a fitting outlet (2), an aerator (1), and a set comprising an aerator (1) and a tool (6), wherein the aerator (1) has a housing (3) and a locking element (4) movably mounted on the housing (3), wherein the locking element (4) is adjustable by means of a force transmission from a spring element (5) arranged within a recess of the housing (3) and accessible from outside the fitting outlet (2) to the locking element (4), wherein the locking element (4) projects beyond the housing (3) in its rest position to hold the aerator (1) in the fitting outlet (2), wherein a tool (6) for removal is inserted into the fitting outlet (2) in an insertion direction (7), wherein the spring element (5) is acted upon by the tool (6) during insertion until the locking element (4) releases the aerator (1).