Faucet Coupling Structure with Actuation Ring for Easy Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling structures for faucets, which use grab rings with inclined sawteeth for easy coupling, face difficulties in separation due to space constraints and tool accessibility, making replacement, maintenance, or repair cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuation ring that can be moved forward to tilt and separate the sawteeth of the grab ring, allowing easy extraction of the faucet connection pipe from the coupler, facilitated by a pressure ring and screw threads for precise adjustment and enhanced grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grab ring with inclined sawteeth is used for coupling the faucet to the connection body, then the coupling operation becomes convenient and the faucet is firmly maintained, but the faucet cannot be easily separated due to the sawteeth strongly pressing the connection pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the coupling mechanism into two functional parts: the grab ring with sawteeth for maintaining the coupled state, and the actuation ring for enabling separation. This segmentation allows the coupling structure to provide both strong holding force during normal use and easy separation when needed, by distributing these conflicting functions to different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation ring serves as an intermediary component between the user's manual operation and the grab ring's sawteeth. By rotating the actuation ring, the user can push the sawteeth of the grab ring to release the locking force, enabling easy separation of the faucet without directly manipulating the sawteeth themselves. This intermediary mechanism solves the space and tool accessibility problems.
2Volume of moving object
If the faucet is installed in a limited space with the grab ring coupling, then the coupling is compact and space-efficient, but sufficient working space is unavailable for separation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation ring is designed to be nested within or integrated with the connection pipe structure, and the grab ring is nested within the connection body. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the coupling mechanism during installation, while still allowing the actuation ring to be accessed and operated for separation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation ring provides a remote actuation mechanism that allows separation to be initiated from a more accessible position than the tightly confined grab ring sawteeth. This intermediary component extends the user's reach into the limited space, enabling separation operations without requiring direct access to the deeply confined coupling interface.
3Volume of moving object
If the faucet is coupled with the grab ring in a small size configuration, then the coupling is compact and suitable for small faucets, but tool usage becomes difficult due to the small size
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation ring serves as a mechanical amplifier that translates small rotational movements into the linear pushing force needed to release the grab ring's sawteeth. This intermediary mechanism provides sufficient leverage and force multiplication to overcome the small size constraints, allowing easy operation without requiring large tools or excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static locking state (sawteeth pressing against the connection pipe) to a dynamic release state through the rotation of the actuation ring. This dynamic action allows the small-sized coupling to be easily opened by applying rotational motion, which is easier to generate with small tools than the linear force required to directly push the sawteeth.
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
Enables convenient installation and separation of faucets, improving construction efficiency and maintenance accessibility by allowing easy release of the grab ring's pressure on the connection pipe, thus simplifying replacement and repair processes.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation ring that can be moved forward to tilt and separate the sawteeth of the grab ring
Implementation Method 2
facilitated by a pressure ring and screw threads for precise adjustment and enhanced grip
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coupling structure for easy installation and separation of a faucet. The coupling structure includes a connection body which is connected to a water supply pipe at one side and has a coupler at an opposite side. A connection pipe formed in the faucet is fitted to the coupler such that the faucet is coupled to the connection body to allow the faucet to be supplied with water and to discharge the water. A grab ring is formed in the coupler, and an actuation ring is installed in the connection pipe so as to be moved forward and backward. When the actuation ring is moved forward, the actuation ring expands the grab ring to allow the connection pipe to be separated from the coupler. Easy installation of the faucet enhances convenience in construction. Easy separation of the faucet, when necessary, enhances convenience in maintenance.