Integrated Faucet Control for Water Flow Activation and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply plumbing fixtures require users to operate multiple distinct components and perform separate operations to activate and modulate water supply, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A command device that integrates activation and regulation functions into a single element, allowing users to choose water supply modes and adjust flow rates using a compact, intuitive design with a base group, activation and regulation members, and a rotatable adjustment crown, fluidically connected to both inlet and supply lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple distinct components are used for activation and regulation functions, then the device can perform specialized functions, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the activation function (controlling water supply on/off) and regulation function (modulating flow rate) into a single integrated command device. The body (10) houses both the activation mechanism with seal (15) and the regulation mechanism with needle valve (25), allowing users to perform both activation and flow modulation through one unified interface rather than operating separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The command device is designed as a multi-functional unit where the single body (10) performs multiple functions: it acts as both an activation valve (controlling water supply start/stop) and a regulation valve (adjusting flow rate via needle valve 25). This universal design eliminates the need for users to operate multiple specialized components, improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple distinct components are used for activation and regulation functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity worsen due to requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single manufactured body (10), reducing the total component count from two or more separate devices to one unified unit. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate activation and regulation components, thereby improving ease of manufacture while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The command device body (10) is designed as a universal component that incorporates both activation and regulation capabilities in a single manufacturable unit. This multi-functional design allows manufacturers to produce one standardized component rather than multiple specialized parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to perform both water supply activation and flow rate modulation functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~3'
AI summary
The invention is a command device (1) for a water supply plumbing fixture. The command device (1) comprises a main axis (X-X), comprising a base group (2) which is fluidically connectable to at least one inlet line and to supply lines, and an activation and regulation group (3) engaged with the base group (2). The activation and regulation group (3) comprises a plurality of activation members (4) which are configurable in an active configuration and a passive configuration in which they allow or prevent the passage of water to a respective supply line, respectively. The activation and regulation group (3) further comprises an regulation member (5) comprising: an annular adjustment crown (6) which is angularly rotatable, wherein said activation members (4) are housed at least in part within said adjustment crown (6); a valve element (7), housed at least in part inside said adjustment crown (6), engaged with the base group (2) and with the adjustment crown (6), so that each angular position of the adjustment crown (6) corresponds to a respective configuration of the valve element (7).