Assembled Panel Assembly for In-Wall Bath Faucet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel assemblies for in-wall bath faucets are complex, time-consuming, and inefficient to produce due to button humps that complicate surface treatment processes, and they are either high-cost metallic or poorly accepted plastic panels with inadequate process strength and appearance.
Innovation Solution
An assembled panel assembly comprising a panel with receiving holes, a baseplate with engagement portions, and a button set housed in a detachable manner, allowing for secure mounting and efficient control of a button valve element for fluid on-off management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If button humps are integrated into the panel surface, then the panel structure is complete and functional, but the surface treatment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly is divided into separate components: a flat panel body and detachable button assemblies. The buttons are not integrated into the panel surface but are instead mounted on the rear side through the panel, allowing the panel surface to remain flat and simple for surface treatment while the button functionality is achieved through separate assembled components.
2Ease of manufacture
If metallic material is used for the panel, then the appearance and process strength are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly separates the structural panel body from the functional button components. This allows the panel body to be made from cost-effective materials while the button assemblies, which require higher strength and precision, can be made from metallic materials or more durable plastics. The separation enables different material selections optimized for each component's specific requirements.
3Strength
If plastic material is used for the panel, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the process strength and appearance quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the panel body from the button assemblies, the design allows plastic materials to be used for the large panel body (reducing cost) while metallic or high-strength plastic button assemblies provide the necessary process strength and durability. The button assemblies can be made from materials like aluminum alloy or high-grade engineering plastics that offer both strength and aesthetic quality.
4Productivity
If the panel assembly is designed as an integral type, then the structure is simple, but the production efficiency decreases due to complex surface treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly is segmented into a flat panel body and separate button assemblies that are detachably connected. This segmentation allows the panel body to be mass-produced with simple flat surface treatment, while the button assemblies can be pre-assembled and then attached to the panel. The detachable connection enables independent manufacturing and quality control of each component, improving overall production efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembled panel assembly, which is used for in-wall bath faucet and comprises a panel, configured as a shell and has a main surface, on which receiving hole(s) is/are provided; a baseplate, located at one side of the panel and has corresponding engagement portion(s) for being mated with the receiving hole(s), which engagement portion(s) is/are configured as flange(s) delimiting engagement hole(s); housing(s), each configured to receive a button set, located at the other side of the panel, and detachably engaged with the engagement portion of the baseplate so as to secure it to the panel in the manner of being opposite to the baseplate, and the button set is configured to be moved in the axial direction relative to the engagement hole of the baseplate to drive the open or close of a button valve element. The assembled panel assembly, which provides innovative structural design, enables a panel with flat surface being independently applied to the in-wall bath faucet and optimizes the function of the button set by reasonable cooperation of the panel assembly. Such a panel is provided that can satisfy the demands for many kinds of surface processes on it in the post-process, which overcomes many defects presented in an uneven surface panel in the prior arts.