Detachable Carafe Drain Fitting With Automatic Leak Shut-Off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sanitary washstand or sink outlet fittings require an additional container for transporting liquids, as they do not inherently function as liquid transport containers, leading to inconvenience in tasks like filling carafes or transporting water to remote locations.

Innovation Solution

The outlet fitting features a detachable outlet body with a liquid receiving chamber that can be filled from the base body and used as a transport container, equipped with a plug-in connection, locking mechanism, automatic shut-off valve, and turbulence-generating means to facilitate efficient liquid transfer and prevent leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the outlet body is designed as a detachable liquid container, then the functionality for liquid transport is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid transport functionalityVSAvoidoutlet fitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet body merges multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the water outlet nozzle and a detachable liquid storage container. The hollow interior of the outlet body forms a liquid receiving chamber that can store water, eliminating the need for separate storage containers while maintaining the outlet function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet fitting is divided into detachable components: the base body remains fixed while the outlet body can be removed and reattached. This segmentation allows the outlet body to function independently as a portable liquid container while being part of the fixed outlet fitting system when attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the outlet body is detachable for removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of fluid connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and removalVSAvoidfluid connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet body incorporates an automatic shut-off valve that self-activates when the outlet body is detached from the base body. The valve mechanism is triggered by the removal action itself, automatically closing the fluid passage without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining reliability during the detachment operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off valve is positioned and configured to automatically close before any potential leakage can occur during detachment. The valve mechanism is designed to seal the fluid passage in advance of the separation between outlet body and base body, preventing fluid loss during the transition state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a shut-off valve is added to prevent leakage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidvalve mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off valve is integrated into the existing outlet body structure rather than being added as a separate external component. The valve mechanism utilizes the hollow interior space of the outlet body and works in conjunction with the detachable connection interface, merging the sealing function with the existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off valve operates automatically based on the attachment/detachment state of the outlet body itself. The mechanical movement of attaching or removing the outlet body directly actuates the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control systems or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Quantity of substance

If the outlet body forms a liquid container, then the quantity of substance stored is improved, but the volume of the outlet fitting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidoutlet fitting
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid storage chamber is formed within the existing outlet body structure, utilizing the hollow interior space that would otherwise be empty. This merges the storage function with the outlet nozzle structure, adding liquid container capacity without requiring additional external volume beyond what is already occupied by the outlet body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design eliminates the need for an additional container, allowing the outlet body to be used as a self-contained liquid transport vessel, ensuring efficient liquid supply and preventing accidental leakage or overflow during transport.

Implementation Method 1

an automatic outflow blocking device that blocks the inflow channel from liquid flowing out of the liquid holding chamber when the outlet body is removed from the base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAutomatic shut-off valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

through which liquid is introduced into the liquid receiving chamber, forming a centrifugal turbulent flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal turbulent flow: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2708664B1Drain fitting comprising a drain body having the shape of a carafe
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 HANS GROHE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2708664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2708664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2708664B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The fitting has a base body (1) including a terminal for attaching to a liquid supply. A drain body (3) is detachably connected with the base body by a plug connection and a detachable connection (2). The drain body is designed as a liquid container, which is detachable from the base body. The plug connection includes a recess and/or retainer and a connection region at a lower side of the drain body, and at an upper side of the base body. A detent ring and a detent groove detachably lock the plug connection. Air suction ducts are discharged in a supply channel.