Bathtub Overflow Fitting with Concealed Inlet and Rotary Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtub inlet and overflow fittings integrate multiple functions but suffer from a dirty and visible inlet area, large structural dimensions, and the need for additional control elements, which compromise aesthetics and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact inlet and overflow fitting design that integrates overflow, drain valve operation, water supply, and level adjustment functions using a single rotary handle, concealing the inlet area behind the handle and eliminating separate control elements, with a clamping body and fastening means for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate control element is added to adjust overflow level, then the overflow capacity is ensured, but the structural dimensions increase and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the overflow control function with the existing rotary handle by making the rotary handle displaceable in axial direction. The rotary handle serves dual purposes: actuating the drain valve through rotation and controlling overflow level through axial displacement. This merging eliminates the need for a separate control element while ensuring adequate overflow capacity through the formed water inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the actuating element for the drain valve when rotated, and simultaneously serves as a control element for adjusting the overflow level when displaced axially. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining all required functions.
2Ease of operation
If the inlet area of the overflow is made visible, then the overflow function is accessible, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the overflow inlet area from the visible front region and relocates it to the rear side of the fitting, behind the rotary handle. The water inlet is formed between the displaceable rotary handle and the clamping body in the rear region, concealing it from view while maintaining accessibility for the overflow function. This extraction resolves the aesthetic issue by removing the dirt-prone area from the visible domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow inlet is repositioned from the front visible dimension to the rear concealed dimension of the fitting. By utilizing the spatial dimension behind the rotary handle, the design maintains the functional accessibility of the overflow while hiding the dirt accumulation area from the aesthetic front view, effectively using dimensional relocation to resolve the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If multiple functions are integrated into separate control elements, then each function is clearly controlled, but the structural dimensions and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drain valve actuation function and the overflow level control function into a single rotary handle. The handle's rotational movement controls the drain valve, while its axial displacement controls the overflow level. This combining allows clear control of both functions through one element without increasing the protrusion dimensions, as the control mechanisms are integrated within the compact handle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanisms for both drain valve actuation and overflow level adjustment are nested within the single rotary handle structure. The driver shaft and associated control elements are contained within the handle's axial and radial dimensions, allowing multiple control functions to be housed in a compact, space-efficient manner that does not increase the overall protrusion from the tub wall.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The fitting (1) has an overflow body (2) comprising a water supply. A cap-shaped rotatable handle (10) operates a drain valve of a bath tub, and a clamping body (15) comprises an inlet channel (15.5). The handle comprises a driver shaft (13) extending into the overflow body. The shaft or the handle is supported in an axially movable manner such that the handle is moved from a position to another position. The handle forms a water intake defining increased overflow level in the former position. The handle limits another water intake defining deep overflow level in the latter position.