Elastically Deformable Drive Geometry for Torque Limiting in Sanitary Fittings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary fitting adjustment elements are often difficult to reach after assembly, leading to potential damage from excessive torque when using traditional tools to adjust them.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elastically deformable drive geometry, composed of multiple twisted plates, which detaches from the adjustment element when a predetermined torque is reached, preventing damage by reducing the torque transmitted to the sanitary fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional tools (socket wrenches) are used to adjust adjusting elements, then torque can be transmitted to the adjusting element, but this may damage the adjusting mechanism or other components of the sanitary fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The drive geometry is designed to change its physical state from engaged to detached based on the torque parameter. When the applied torque reaches a predetermined threshold, the drive geometry elastically deforms and detaches from the adjusting element, automatically limiting the torque transmitted to protect the adjusting mechanism from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a torque limiting mechanism through the elastically deformable drive geometry before damage can occur. This pre-designed detachment mechanism acts as a cushion against excessive torque, preventing harm to the adjusting element by automatically disengaging when the torque threshold is reached.
2Strength
If the drive geometry is made rigid to ensure torque transmission, then adjustment can be performed, but excessive torque may be transmitted causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The drive geometry transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its state. It is designed to be rigid during normal operation for effective torque transmission, but becomes flexible and detachable when excessive torque is applied, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the drive geometry are designed to change under load. The elastic deformability allows it to maintain rigidity for torque transmission at normal operating conditions, but undergoes parameter change (deformation and detachment) when the torque exceeds the predetermined threshold, preventing damage.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is made flexible to reach adjusting elements, then accessibility is improved, but torsional rigidity may be insufficient for torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple discrete plates arranged in sequence along its length. This segmentation allows the shaft to achieve flexibility through the relative movement and angular displacement between adjacent plates, enabling it to navigate to difficult-to-reach adjusting elements while maintaining sufficient torsional rigidity through the cumulative effect of multiple rigid plate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexibility of the shaft is achieved not by compromising the rigidity of individual components, but by introducing angular displacement between plates in a different dimension (rotational dimension). Each plate maintains its torsional rigidity, but the assembly achieves flexibility through controlled angular misalignment between adjacent plates, effectively adding a rotational degree of freedom.
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 tool effectively prevents damage to sanitary fittings by limiting torque, ensuring safe and efficient adjustment of sanitary fitting components without causing harm to the adjustment elements or other components.
Implementation Method 1
the drive geometry is elastically deformable so that the drive geometry at least partially detaches from the adjusting element when a predetermined torque is reached
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (1) for actuating an adjusting element (2) of a sanitary fitting (3), at least comprising: a shaft (4) having a longitudinal axis (5); and a drive geometry (6) which is arranged on the shaft (4) and can be connected to the adjusting element (2) in order to transmit a torque, wherein the drive geometry (6) can be elastically deformed, such that the drive geometry (6) at least partially detaches from the adjusting element (2) when reaching a predefined torque. The invention also relates to a set (15) comprising a sanitary fitting (3) and a corresponding tool (1), as well as a use of a corresponding tool (1) for actuating an adjusting element (2) of a sanitary fitting (3).