Docking Collar Spring Ring Groove Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucet docking collar designs rely solely on the flexibility of cantilevered snap fingers for retention, which can be inadequate, and attempts to enhance retention with elastomeric O-rings still require engagement with recesses, lacking a robust and easy-to-use mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A docking collar with a spring ring that engages a groove on either the spout or spray head mounting device, providing a compressive force for secure attachment without snap fingers, allowing easy orientation and tactile feedback upon docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cantilevered snap fingers are used for retention, then the spray head can be mounted to the spout, but the retention force is insufficient and can be easily overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retention mechanism from relying solely on the flexibility parameter of cantilevered snap fingers to using a spring ring that provides controlled elastic deformation. The spring ring's material and geometry are selected to provide optimal retention force while maintaining ease of release through deliberate elastic deformation in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring ring acts as an intermediary element between the docking collar and the spray head mounting device. It mediates the retention force by elastically deforming to engage with the groove, providing both secure mounting and a controlled release mechanism when force is applied.
2Reliability
If elastomeric O-ring is added to bias snap fingers, then retention force is enhanced, but the mechanism still relies on snap finger engagement with recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the O-ring biasing mechanism and the snap fingers into a single integrated spring ring component. This eliminates the need for separate snap fingers and O-rings, reducing component count while maintaining enhanced retention force through the spring ring's inherent elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the snap fingers from the design, replacing them entirely with the spring ring mechanism. The spring ring performs both the biasing function previously done by the O-ring and the retention function previously done by the snap fingers, simplifying the overall structure.
3Reliability
If multiple snap fingers are used, then retention is improved, but the docking mechanism becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The spring ring is designed as a segmented or continuous elastic element that can deform at multiple points simultaneously. This segmentation allows the single component to provide retention at multiple locations around the groove, achieving the stability of multiple snap fingers while maintaining the simplicity of a single manufacturable part.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from discrete snap finger components to a continuous or segmented spring ring structure. This parameter change in the retention mechanism's geometry allows for easier manufacturing through forming processes while maintaining multiple engagement points for stable retention.
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
The solution offers a reliable retention mechanism that allows easy orientation of the spray head to the spout, providing a 'clicking' noise upon docking and ensuring secure attachment without relying on snap fingers, enhancing user experience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The spring ring is provided for insertion into the annular channel. An interior circumference of the spring ring extends into the slot with a compressive force to engage the exterior groove of the first device when the first device and the second device are docked.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a spout having a first mounting device and a spray head having a second mounting device. A docking collar is provided for releasably mounting the spray head to the spout. The docking collar is connected to one of the first mounting device and the second mounting device. The docking collar includes a spring ring for releasably engaging a groove formed at an other of the first mounting device and the second mounting device.