Bridge-Style Faucet Single-Hole Installation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-hole faucets have limited design configurations and footprints, while widespread faucets require specific mounting structures, limiting installation flexibility and compatibility with existing sink setups.
Innovation Solution
A bridge-style faucet design with a center body and offset side bodies, connected by bridges, allowing for fluid connections and gasketed support surfaces for secure single-hole installation, enabling a widespread footprint without the need for specialized mounting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-hole faucets are used, then installation is simple and flexible, but the footprint and design configuration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet is divided into separate components: a center body and offset side bodies connected by bridges. This segmentation allows the faucet to achieve a widespread footprint appearance while maintaining single-hole installation capability, as each component can be independently positioned and secured within the single mounting hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane faucet configuration to a three-dimensional bridge-style structure with offset side bodies. This dimensional change enables the faucet to project handles and spout in multiple directions, creating a widespread footprint effect while consolidating mounting to a single hole through the center body.
2Shape
If widespread faucets are used, then various configurations and footprints are available, but specific mounting structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The center body is designed with universal mounting features that enable the faucet to be installed in a single hole while accommodating widespread configuration aesthetics. The bridges connect the center body to side bodies in a manner that works with standard single-hole mounting plates, making the faucet compatible with both single-hole and center-set installations without requiring specialized mounting structures.
3Device complexity
If handles are attached to the exterior of a central body, then installation is simplified, but the footprint is limited to the central body's dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
Bridges serve as intermediary structures connecting the center body to the offset side bodies. These bridges extend the functional elements (handles, spout) beyond the central body's footprint while maintaining a simplified installation process, as the entire assembly mounts through the center body in a single hole.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet configured for single-hole installation includes a center within which a connector body defining hot and cold water inlets and an outlet is supported. A pair of side bodies are attached to the center body about opposite sides of the center body. Bridges including flow paths extend between and connect each side body to the center body. A valve supported within the first side body fluidly couples the hot water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the first bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the first side body. A valve supported within the second side body fluidly couples the cold water inlet with the outlet via the flow path of the second bridge responsive to rotation of a handle supported by the second side body.