Bathroom Fitting Elastic Insert for Limescale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inlet and overflow fittings for bathtubs suffer from water jet deflection issues that can damage the valve and are prone to limescale deposits, which are difficult to remove, leading to reduced service life and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a water supply pipe and an insert element made of elastic material, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation, which can be deformed to clear limescale deposits and designed to redirect the water jet, reducing noise and wear on the fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid baffle surface is used to deflect the water jet, then the water flow is directed properly, but the fitting is prone to damage and has reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid baffle surface with a flexible insert element made of elastomer or plastic material. This flexible element can deflect the water jet effectively while being resistant to damage from water impact, thereby extending the service life of the fitting without compromising water flow direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible/elastomeric material for the insert element. This parameter change allows the element to absorb water jet impact without damage while maintaining its water deflection function, resolving the contradiction between flow control and durability.
2Strength
If a rigid structure is used for the inlet channel, then the structural strength is maintained, but limescale deposits are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inlet channel structure into two parts: a rigid outer housing that maintains structural strength and a removable flexible insert element that can be easily extracted for cleaning. The insert element can be pulled out through the overflow opening, allowing easy removal of limescale deposits without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible insert element is designed to be extractable from the rigid inlet channel housing. This extraction capability allows the insert to be removed for cleaning purposes, making limescale removal easy while the rigid housing maintains the required structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If the water jet is deflected at a right angle in the supply channel, then the flow direction is changed, but damage occurs to the baffle surface reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid baffle surface is replaced with a flexible insert element that can withstand repeated water jet impacts without damage. The flexible material absorbs the impact energy, preventing the damage that would occur with a rigid baffle, while still achieving the required water jet deflection at right angles.
4Ease of operation
If a fixed insert element is used in the water supply pipe, then the water flow is guided, but the insert element cannot be easily cleaned of limescale
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be extracted from the water supply pipe through the overflow opening. This segmentation allows the insert to be removed for cleaning while it remains in place during normal operation to guide water flow, resolving the contradiction between flow guidance and cleanability.
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 elastic insert element extends the service life of the fitting by preventing limescale buildup and reducing noise, while ensuring the water jet is properly directed, thus minimizing wear and maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
The insert element is made of an elastic material such that limescale deposits on the insert element can be removed from the insert element by deforming it when the insert element is removed
Implementation Method 2
designed to redirect the water jet, reducing noise and wear on the fitting
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fitting (1) comprises a water supply pipe (2) with a wall (3) laterally limiting the water supply pipe (2), an opening (4a) and a further opening (4b), and an insert element (5) which can be inserted at least partially into the water supply pipe (2) via one of the two openings (4a, 4b). The insert element (2) is made of an elastic material such that limescale deposits on the insert element (2) can be removed from the insert element (2) by deforming it when the insert element (2) is removed.