Fluid-Line Ball Joint With Anti-Rotation for Aerator Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball joints in sanitary fittings suffer from issues such as free spinning during jet regulator switching, difficulty in securing the aerator, and mismatched friction leading to handling challenges, which hinder the effective operation of flow rate and flow pattern adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A joint design that allows free pivoting about a pivot point in space with a fluid line inside, featuring an anti-rotation device comprising a rod end with a non-circular contour and a corresponding receptacle, enabling torque transmission and preventing rotation about specific axes, while allowing independent rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the aerator is located on the ball joint, then the aerator can be integrated into the fitting, but the aerator cannot be screwed onto the fitting with the required tightening torque because the ball joint rotates freely
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation device is installed in advance to prevent the unwanted rotation of the ball joint about the longitudinal axis. This preliminary constraint ensures that when tightening torque is applied to screw the aerator onto the fitting, the ball joint remains stationary and does not spin, allowing the seal to be properly secured.
2Ease of operation
If the friction of the ball joint is carefully matched to the friction of the rotary switch, then the joint can be operated, but wear and tear or changes to joint components can make handling difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The operational functions are segmented into independent rotational movements. The ball joint pivot and aerator rotation are decoupled through the anti-rotation device, so that wear in one area does not directly affect the operation of the other. This reduces the sensitivity to friction changes and component wear.
3Reliability
If additional contact surfaces are added for securely tightening the ball joint to the fitting, then the aerator can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents rotation about the longitudinal axis, provides a bearing surface for torque transmission, and enables secure tightening of the aerator. By making this single component multi-functional, additional contact surfaces are avoided while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint (1) having a fluid line (9) arranged inside the joint (1), the joint (1) comprising a first joint element (2) and a second joint element (3) for receiving the first joint element (2), the first joint element (2) being arranged in the second joint element (3) so as to be freely pivotable in space about a centre of rotation, and the first joint element (2) and/or the second joint element (3) comprising an anti-twist means which prevents rotation of the first joint element (2) inside the second joint element (3).