Modular Sanitary Faucet Embedding System with Snap-Fit Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional embedding systems for sanitary faucets and fittings are limited in their ability to create a variety of functional assemblies, offer poor leakage protection, and require complex assembly processes, with inefficient sealing mechanisms that only protect the top region of the manifold body.

Innovation Solution

A universal modular embedding system with two inlets and four outlets, allowing components to be split into modular elements that can be rotated 90°, featuring efficient snap-fit gaskets for quick assembly and disassembly, and a support plate for dry assembly, enabling multiple functional configurations and aesthetic finishes, with the ability to reverse water flow without masonry adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If prior embedding systems use two inlets and two outlets, then the system structure is simple, but the number of functional assemblies that can be made is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functional assembliesVSAvoidembedding system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a plate-like embedding element and separate functional parts that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the same embedding body to support multiple different functional assemblies (shower, shower with fitting assembly, etc.) by simply changing the functional part attached to it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The embedding system is designed with universal inlets and outlets that can accommodate different functional components. The plate-like embedding element serves as a universal base that can be configured for various sanitary assemblies, increasing versatility without requiring multiple specialized embedding bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed flange means are used to affix functional groups to the plate-like element, then the connection is stable, but only a small number of functional components can be connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functional componentsVSAvoidconnection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange means are designed as universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple different functional components. The same flange structure can connect various types of functional groups (shower heads, fitting assemblies, etc.), allowing a small number of connection mechanisms to support a larger variety of functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a simple snap engaging gasket system is used, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the sealing efficiency is poor and only the top region is protected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidsealing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system uses different sealing solutions for different regions of the embedding body. The first gasket system provides sealing for the top region, while a second, more efficient gasket system is specifically designed to seal the bottom region where leakages were problematic. Each region receives the appropriate sealing quality for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The improved gasket system is designed in advance to prevent water leakage before it occurs. The second gasket system is specifically positioned and configured to prevent water from entering the embedding body through the bottom region, providing proactive protection against the harmful effect of leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If conventional embedding systems are used, then the assembly process is straightforward, but assembly time is increased due to lack of modular elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidmodular system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional groups are divided into modular elements that can be pre-assembled and then quickly attached to the plate-like embedding element. This modular segmentation enables faster assembly by allowing workers to attach complete functional units rather than assembling individual components, thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If the embedding macro-group is sealed with poor efficiency gaskets, then water leakage occurs, but redesigning the sealing system increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage protectionVSAvoidsealing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than redesigning the entire sealing system, the solution applies a more efficient second gasket system specifically to the bottom region of the embedding body where leakage was occurring. This localized improvement enhances reliability without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10745894B2Universal embedded system for sanitary faucet components

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 FIR ITAL

AI summary

An universal embedding system (1) for sanitary faucets and fittings comprising three macro groups, a first universal embedding macro group, a second macro group of functional components (1B) such as mixers and switch valves and a third macro group of aesthetic parts (1C), wherein the first macro group comprises six connecting plugs for inlets (3″) and outlets, which can freely be chosen.