Internal Faucet Damper Layout for Dry-Side Closure Timing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Faucets with push-knob actuators face limitations in adjusting return timing due to variable pressure and temperature, and are prone to mineral deposits and corrosion from water flow, affecting timing control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A faucet design incorporating a push knob, piston, cartridge, and linear damper, where the piston moves between positions to open and close the faucet, with a spring bias and a damper to control closing, and a solenoid or mechanically adjustable damper for timing adjustments, isolated from the water path to prevent contamination and facilitate replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If timing control implements are used to adjust return timing of the push-knob, then timing control is improved, but the implements are subject to water flow which causes mineral deposits and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming controlVSAvoidresistance to mineral deposits and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The timing control function is extracted from the water flow path by placing the damper on the piston rod that operates the cartridge valve, rather than using timing control implements directly in the water flow. This separates the timing control mechanism from the harmful water environment while maintaining the ability to adjust return timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston rod acts as an intermediary between the push-knob and the cartridge valve, allowing timing control to be achieved through mechanical linkage rather than through water flow. The damper on the piston rod provides timing control without requiring implements that would be exposed to water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the damper is mounted internally within the water path, then timing control is achieved, but the damper is subject to contamination from water flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming controlVSAvoidcontamination from water flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is extracted from the water path and mounted on the piston rod in a dry environment. This allows the timing control function to be achieved while the damper remains isolated from water contamination, enabling easy replacement and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If the damper is made accessible for replacement, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the damper must be isolated from the water path which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamper replacementVSAvoidisolation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston rod with the mounted damper serves a dual purpose: it provides timing control functionality and simultaneously acts as the mounting structure that isolates the damper from water while enabling easy access for replacement. The simple external mounting on the piston rod eliminates the need for complex isolation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design allows for precise control of faucet closure and adjustment of damping without affecting the water flow, enabling easy replacement of the damper and maintaining water purity, while allowing for electronic solenoid integration and easy maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the piston is movable by a spring from the second position to the first position, to position the lip against the aft seal seat and close the faucet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a linear damper, mounted to the forward end of the body, wherein the linear damper engages the piston to dampen movement of the piston from the second position to the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4414588A1Faucet with internal damper
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP4414588A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414588A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414588A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A faucet having a body (200) extending from forward to aft ends to define a body cavity, the body (200) includes an aft wall having faucet inlet ports, and a faucet outlet between the forward and aft ends; a push knob (120) coupled to the body forward end; a cartridge (270) fixed within the body cavity, the cartridge (270) has a cartridge cavity with an aft seal seat, a cartridge outlet port forward of the aft seal seat, and a cartridge inlet port aft of the aft seal seat; a piston (130) within the cartridge cavity, defining an aft seal lip: the piston (130) is movable by the push knob (120) from first to second positions, to move the lip and open the faucet; and the piston (130) moves from the second to the first positions, to position the lip against the aft seal seat and close the faucet; and a linear damper (135), mounted to the body forward end.