Pull-Out Faucet Coupling Sleeve with Compliant Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets with detachable spray heads often require complex and costly coupling mechanisms that are prone to misalignment, resulting in increased installation difficulty, loose connections, and aesthetic issues, with locking devices that can fail and render the spray assembly unusable.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out faucet design featuring a coupling sleeve with a rigid first portion and a compliant second portion, including a circumferential member and longitudinal members, which provides a stable and detachable connection between the spray head and spout, reducing the number of components and assembly costs while ensuring proper alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling mechanism with several components is used to provide detachable coupling of the spray head, then the detachable coupling function is achieved, but the cost increases and mechanical assistance is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling components into a single integrated coupling mechanism. The coupling includes a body with an interior cavity, a resilient member integrated into the body, and a cam feature formed as part of the coupling structure. This merging of components simplifies installation by eliminating the need for mechanical assistance while maintaining the detachable coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component structure. The coupling body simultaneously provides structural support, the resilient member provides retention and release capabilities, and the cam feature enables directional movement and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving the desired detachable coupling behavior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling mechanism with several components is used, then the detachable coupling function is achieved, but the installation process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the resilient member and cam feature directly into the coupling body, creating a single-piece coupling mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps during installation and removes the requirement for mechanical assistance, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining full detachable coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-installing. The resilient member automatically engages with the spray head, and the cam feature provides automatic positioning during insertion. This self-service capability eliminates the need for mechanical assistance or complex alignment procedures during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional couplings are used, then detachable coupling is achieved, but misalignment occurs during installation deforming mating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the cam feature to control the geometric parameters of the coupling during installation. The cam surface guides the spray head into proper alignment by transforming the insertion motion into controlled radial movement, ensuring that mating parts engage without misalignment or deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam feature acts as an intermediary element between the coupling body and the spray head during installation. It mediates the alignment process by providing a guided path that ensures proper positioning before final engagement, preventing misalignment and deformation of mating parts.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional couplings with locking devices are used, then the spray head can be locked into position, but the locking devices can break or fail rendering the spray assembly unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the resilient member to provide a spring-loaded retention force that maintains a constant pressure between the coupling components. This continuous force application ensures reliable locking without the need for fragile mechanical locking devices, as the elastic properties of the resilient member provide inherent durability and failure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism replaces complex, potentially failing locking devices with a simpler resilient member-based retention system. The resilient member provides sufficient holding force through its elastic properties alone, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms that could break or fail.
5Adaptability or versatility
If traditional couplings are used, then detachable coupling is achieved, but the coupling appears bulky and visually unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all coupling components into a single streamlined body, eliminating the visual bulk associated with multiple separate parts. The coupling body houses the resilient member and cam feature internally, presenting a clean, compact exterior that is visually appealing while maintaining full detachable coupling functionality.
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 enhances the reliability and durability of the coupling mechanism, reducing the effort required to decouple the spray head, preventing drooping or wobbling, and improving the aesthetic appeal by simplifying the installation process and maintaining a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
The compliant second portion is configured to absorb misalignment and deformation
Implementation Method 2
The second portion includes a circumferential member extending along the outer surface and configured to engage the recess of the spout
Implementation Method 3
The second portion includes a plurality of longitudinal members extending along the inner surface and configured to stabilize the spray head within the coupling sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-out faucet is provided. The faucet includes a spout having an outlet end, a spray head having an engaging end, and a sleeve disposed between the outlet end of the spout and the engaging end of the spray head and configured to detachably couple the spray head to the spout. The sleeve comprises a substantially rigid first portion and a substantially compliant second portion.