Integrated Air-Gap Water Supply Assembly for Simpler Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of water supply devices for domestic washing appliances is complex and expensive due to the assembly of multiple parts, which can lead to positioning errors and malfunctions in the air gap device.
Innovation Solution
A water supply device constructed from only two parts, where the tubular tapered ends of the half-conduits are produced integrally with the body or cover, eliminating the need for additional guide elements and ensuring correct alignment, thus simplifying the production process and preventing assembly-related malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are assembled to form the water supply device, then various functions (vent, air gap, water collector) can be provided, but the production process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (vent, air gap device, water collector) into a single monolithic body produced by injection moulding. This eliminates the need to assemble multiple separately manufactured parts, thereby simplifying the production process while maintaining all required functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are assembled to form the water supply device, then various functions can be provided, but positioning errors and malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all functional elements into a single monolithic structure, the patent eliminates interface errors between assembled parts. The air gap device and other components are formed as integral parts of the body, ensuring correct positioning and preventing malfunctions associated with assembly misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the monolithic body, the patent segments different functional zones (vent opening, air gap chamber, water collector cavity) to perform specific functions. This functional segmentation is achieved through moulding cavity design rather than physical assembly, maintaining reliability while providing versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three different parts are manufactured separately and welded together, then the required functions are achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates three separately manufactured parts (body, air gap device, and other components) into a single monolithic structure produced in one injection moulding operation. This eliminates welding and assembly steps, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining all functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing a vent for vapour, creating an air gap for water supply, and collecting water for regeneration brine formation. This multi-functionality is integrated into a single universal component rather than requiring separate specialized parts.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The water supply device is formed by a body (10) having a bottom wall (14) from the side edge of which a transverse wall (16) rises, and by a cover (12) which has a shape corresponding to that of the bottom wall (14) and is fixed to the upper edge of the transverse wall (16). A cavity (26) is formed between the walls of the body (10) and the cover (12), and either the bottom wall (14) or the cover (12) incorporates a first and a second half-conduit (28, 30) tapering at their respective ends facing each other, so that they form an air gap device. The first half-conduit (28) also constitutes the extension of a supply conduit (32) formed by facing side walls (34) which protrude from the bottom wall (14) and are closed by the cover (12), or alternatively protrude from the cover (12) and are closed by said bottom wall (14).