Deck-Mounted Faucet Valve Coupling Mechanism for Leak-Free Replacement

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing faucet mounting and replacement process on a deck is complex and labor-intensive, requiring operation under the deck and involving high costs due to the need for intricate disconnection and reconnection of components, with the risk of water spouting during replacement.

Innovation Solution

A water inlet device comprising a fixing unit, a connecting unit, and a switch unit, where the connecting unit allows for easy coupling and decoupling of the valve body to the fixing unit, and the switch unit prevents water leakage during replacement by misaligning fluid channels when in the first position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the traditional faucet mounting method is used with threaded securing components and nuts, then the faucet can be securely mounted to the deck, but the replacement process becomes complex and labor-intensive requiring operation under the deck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation and replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting and replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The faucet system is divided into separable components: a valve body that can be independently removed from the deck, and a mounting structure that remains fixed. The connecting unit includes a connecting component with a guide hole and a coupling unit with first and second coupling components that allow the valve body to be detached without removing the entire faucet assembly, simplifying replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the valve body as a separate replaceable component from the overall faucet assembly. The valve body can be removed by detaching the connecting component from the fixing unit through the coupling mechanism, allowing replacement without working under the deck and without affecting the mounted structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the valve body is disconnected from the water inlet hole during replacement, then the faucet can be replaced, but water may spout out causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of faucet replacementVSAvoidwater spouting during replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switch unit is pre-configured with a blocking component that can be positioned to block the water inlet hole before disconnection occurs. The guide channel is designed to be misaligned with the water inlet hole when the connecting component is in the first position, preventing water spouting during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switch unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the water supply and the valve body. It includes a blocking component that can seal the water inlet hole, and a guide channel that controls water flow path, preventing direct water spouting when the valve body is detached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple components need to be disconnected and reconnected during faucet replacement, then the faucet can be replaced, but the labor cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement speed and efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for replacement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The faucet system is divided into separable components: a valve body that can be independently removed from the deck, and a mounting structure that remains fixed. The connecting unit includes a connecting component with a guide hole and a coupling unit with first and second coupling components that allow the valve body to be detached without removing the entire faucet assembly, simplifying replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch unit is pre-configured with a blocking component that can be positioned to block the water inlet hole before disconnection occurs. The guide channel is designed to be misaligned with the water inlet hole when the connecting component is in the first position, preventing water spouting during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7735519B2Water inlet device for mounting a valve body on a deck background of the invention

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 LIN MING SHUAN

AI summary

A water inlet device is adapted for mounting a valve body that is formed with a water inlet hole on top of a deck. The water inlet device includes a fixing unit adapted to be secured to the deck and formed with a water supply hole, a connecting unit, and a switch unit. The connecting unit includes a connecting component adapted to be secured to the valve body, and a coupling unit that permits rotation of the connecting component relative to the fixing unit between a first position, where the connecting component is separable from the fixing unit, and a second position, where the connecting component is non-separable. The switch unit is retained rotatably on the fixing unit, is coupled co-rotatably and separably to the connecting component, and blocks the water supply hole when the connecting component is at the first position.