Extendable Faucet Attachment for Limited Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited arm reach, such as children, people with disabilities, and the elderly, face difficulties in accessing water from standard faucets, as existing solutions like parental assistance and foot stools are inadequate or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A faucet attachment device comprising a trough member and an attachment member that can be securely affixed to a faucet, diverting water flow to a more accessible position, allowing users to adjust the flow without needing to move closer to the faucet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard faucet is used, then the water flow is at a fixed height suitable for adults, but users with limited arm reach cannot access the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the water flow in the horizontal dimension by adding an extendable spout mechanism. The spout can be extended outward from the faucet body, projecting water flow further away from the faucet base, allowing users with limited arm reach to access water without needing to move closer to the faucet.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is designed with dynamic extendability, allowing it to change length based on user needs. The extendable mechanism enables the spout to be adjusted to different positions, providing adaptability for users with varying reach limitations while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the water flow is extended further from the faucet, then accessibility for users with limited reach is improved, but water containment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible channel or trough structure that guides water flow along the extended spout. This flexible element maintains water containment by providing a continuous enclosed pathway from the faucet outlet to the extended tip, preventing water from spilling or dripping during extension and retraction movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable spout mechanism is designed to maintain proper sealing and water containment throughout its range of motion. The dynamic structure ensures that water flow remains contained within the spout channel even when extended to maximum length, preventing leakage through proper sealing mechanisms between moving and stationary components.
3Ease of operation
If an extendable spout is added to the faucet, then water flow accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the faucet system into separate functional modules: the base faucet body, the extendable spout mechanism, and the water channel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly and maintenance. The modular design reduces overall complexity by making the extendable feature a distinct, self-contained unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that connects the extendable spout to the faucet body. This intermediary component serves as a simple interface that enables extension functionality without requiring complex integration with the existing faucet internal mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for delivering water to a person who is unable to reach household or other types of water dispensing faucets. In some embodiments, the device comprises a trough for delivering the liquid and an attachment member for attaching the trough to a faucet.