Faucet Fixing Collar with Top-Clamping Set Screws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching a faucet to a mounting, such as a worktop or sinktop, are inadequate in terms of strength and aesthetics, requiring cumbersome and time-consuming processes due to limited working space and the need for precise alignment of mating parts, leading to lengthy installation times.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device featuring an expansible split ring fixing collar with top-clamping set screws and a clamping claw mechanism that allows for easy attachment from above, providing a strong and balanced mounting solution with reduced installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If working from under the mounting using set screws and nuts, then the faucet can be attached to the mounting, but the working space is scarce and installation time is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation approach by working from above the mounting instead of from underneath. The fixing collar is attached to the top surface with fastening elements that are tightened against the bottom surface by working from above, eliminating the need to access the limited space underneath the mounting and significantly reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If using form locked attachment with fixing screws, then the faucet body can be locked with the fixing collar, but the faucet body must be particularly designed and shaped for the form locking groove, making the fixing device not generally applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fixing device where the fixing collar can be used with various faucet bodies without requiring specific form-locking grooves or mating parts. The fastening elements work against the bottom surface of the mounting to provide secure attachment, making the system generally applicable to different faucet types while maintaining strong attachment.
3Reliability
If using expandable locking ring with grooves, then the faucet body can be locked, but the faucet body must be provided with groove in alignment with the groove of fixing collar, requiring mating parts for form locked attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex form-locking groove mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler fastening element that works against the bottom surface of the mounting. This eliminates the need for aligned grooves and mating parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the fastening elements.
4Productivity
If using top-clamping set screws with clamping claw, then the mounting is strong and aesthetic with reduced installation time, but the fastening elements must be designed to work from above the mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening and clamping functions into a single integrated mechanism. The fastening elements serve both to attach the fixing collar to the mounting and to provide the clamping action through the clamping claw, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms while achieving strong attachment and fast installation.
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 enables a strong, aesthetically pleasing attachment of the faucet with significantly reduced installation time, facilitating easier and faster mounting operations compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device includes a fixing collar (2), which is expansible with an actuation means (8) and attachable to a top surface of a mounting (1)
Implementation Method 2
In the present case, the fixing collar 2 is a split ring and the actuation means comprises a screw 8 capable of enlarging a splitting gap 9 for said expansion
Implementation Method 3
The set screw 3 has its thread grabbed by a clamping claw 4, which is raisable by rotating the set screw 3
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for fixing a faucet to a mounting (1), such as a worktop or a sinktop. A fixing collar (2) is fastened to the top surface of a mounting by turning from above one or more set screws (3) extending from the fixing collar (2) over a distance below a bottom surface of the worktop. Turning of the screw is used for raising a clamping claw (4), which is in engagement with the threading of said set screw and which is steered by means of a guide (5) extending downward from the fixing collar and used for disallowing a rotation of the clamping claw (4) along with the set screw (3). The bottom end of a faucet body (10) or its extension is fastened around the fixing collar (2) by expanding the fixing collar (2) by an actuation means, such as a screw (8).