Articulating Faucet Spout Control Without Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional faucets require handles or sensor actuation for controlling water flow and temperature, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and lack intuitive operation.
Innovation Solution
An articulating faucet design where the spout's movement relative to the base controls water flow and temperature, using rotation to turn the faucet on/off and sliding to adjust flow rate, without handles or separate controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handles or sensor actuators are used to control water flow, then the faucet can be operated to control water flow and temperature, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and the operation lacks intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional handles and separate control mechanisms from the faucet system. The control function is extracted and integrated into the spout's articulation mechanism itself, allowing the spout's movement to directly control valve operation without requiring separate actuators or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout serves multiple functions: it is both the water delivery component and the control interface. By making the spout articulation control the valve operation, the same component performs both water flow delivery and flow control, eliminating the need for separate handles or controllers.
2Shape
If the spout articulation controls the valve operation, then the faucet achieves clean and aesthetically pleasing handle-less design, but the mechanism requires precise coordination between spout movement and valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spout articulation mechanism with the valve actuation mechanism into a single integrated system. The spout's movement directly drives the valve operation through a combined mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control components and reducing manufacturing complexity despite the precise coordination required.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout's own movement serves the dual purpose of positioning the water flow and actuating the valve. The articulation mechanism uses the spout's movement itself to control the valve, rather than requiring external actuators or separate control systems, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spout movement controls both flow on/off and flow rate adjustment, then the faucet provides intuitive control with a single component, but the valve mechanism must respond to different types of spout movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the valve responds differently based on the type of spout movement. Rotational movement of the spout controls flow on/off, while linear sliding movement controls flow rate adjustment. The valve mechanism is designed to interpret these different movement types and respond accordingly, providing versatile control through a single dynamic interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet having a base that is mountable to a support, a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water, and a valve that controls a flow of water to an outlet, where the valve is opened in response to the spout being moved relative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed in response to the spout being moved relative to the base from the first position toward a second position.