Docked Faucet Spray Head Pivoting for Crowded Sink Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucet spray heads are limited in their ability to adjust water output patterns and positioning, requiring users to manually reposition them for efficient cleaning, especially in crowded sinks, and often lack the flexibility to direct the water stream effectively without being undocked from the faucet.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting spray head mechanism that allows the spray head to pivot relative to the faucet about a single degree of freedom, incorporating a detent structure to maintain positions and a manifold with diverter assemblies for modulating water flow, enabling adjustable water patterns and improved reach without needing to be undocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spray head is made fixed and docked to the faucet, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot adjust the water stream direction to reach different areas of the sink
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by introducing a pivoting mechanism that allows rotation about a pivot axis. The bottom portion of the spray head can pivot relative to the top portion, enabling the water stream to be directed toward different areas of the sink while maintaining a simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the spray head is made pullable and extendable, then the user can reach crowded areas of the sink, but the user must continuously hold the spray head when not docked
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a pullable design requiring continuous user holding, the invention uses a pivoting mechanism with a detent structure that allows the spray head to be dynamically positioned and then automatically locked in place. The spring-loaded detent engages with a pivot axis feature to maintain the spray head in various pivoted positions without user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spray head is made fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust the position for different cleaning tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows easy repositioning between different angles. The bottom portion can pivot relative to the top portion about a pivot axis, enabling users to adjust the spray head position for different cleaning tasks with minimal effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent structure with spring-loaded engagement provides automatic positioning and locking. When the user pivots the spray head to a desired position, the detent structure automatically engages to hold it in place, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms or continuous user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotable spray head for connection to a faucet for expelling water is described herein. The spray head includes a spray head top portion having an inlet to receive water from the faucet and a spray head bottom portion having an outlet to expel water. The spray head further includes a pivoting joint mechanism structured to pivot the spray head relative to the faucet about a pivot axis.