Faucet Flow Path Crossing for Thin Counter Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucet apparatuses arranged inside counters along a wall surface face challenges in being made thin in the height direction due to the spatial arrangement of water supply pipes and outflow paths, which limits the ability to form a thin counter shape.
Innovation Solution
The faucet apparatus incorporates a flow path crossing part that allows the outflow path to cross with the cold and hot water supply paths at varying heights, distinguishing them, thereby reducing the required height space and enabling a thinner design. This is achieved by forming the flow path crossing part using a second member inserted into the outflow path, which is made of resin to minimize thickness and prevent casting-related thickness increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, and outflow path are arranged at three-dimensionally offset locations in the height direction to bypass each other, then the flow paths can be formed between respective function units, but the faucet apparatus cannot be made thin in the height direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional offset arrangement to two-dimensional planar arrangement by forming flow path crossing parts where the cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, and outflow path cross each other at substantially the same height. This dimensional change allows the faucet apparatus to be made thin in the height direction while maintaining functional flow paths between function units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by forming the flow path crossing part where one pipe is positioned within or alongside another pipe at the same height level. This nested arrangement allows multiple flow paths to occupy the same spatial region without interfering with each other, enabling compact height design while ensuring proper water flow connections.
2Length of stationary object
If the faucet apparatus is made thin in the height direction, then the counter can be made thin, but the cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, and outflow path cross with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path crossing part is designed with nested arrangement where pipes are positioned concentrically or in close proximity at the same height level. This nesting allows the pipes to cross without interfering with each other's flow, eliminating the harmful effect of flow path crossing while maintaining a thin height profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path crossing part acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, and outflow path. This specialized component allows the pipes to cross at the same height by providing a structured interface that prevents flow interference, thus resolving the contradiction between thin design and flow path separation.
3Length of stationary object
If the first flow path and second flow path are arranged at offset locations in the height direction to bypass each other, then the faucet apparatus can be made thin, but the place where the tap water spout part can be provided is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from vertical offset arrangement to horizontal planar arrangement by forming flow path crossing parts where the first flow path and second flow path cross at substantially the same height. This dimensional change provides flexibility in positioning the tap water spout part at various locations downstream without being constrained by vertical space, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining thin height design.
Data Source
AI summary
The faucet apparatus arranged inside a counter along a wall surface can be made thin in a height direction, and the counter can be made thin in the height direction. The faucet apparatus 1 includes a cold water supply pipe 6 supplying cold water, a hot water supply pipe 8 supplying hot water, a water temperature control function unit 10 capable of mixing hot water and cold water, and a flow path 14 extending from the water temperature control function unit. The flow path 14 forms a flow path crossing part 40, 240 crossing with at least any of at least the cold water supply pipe 6, the hot water supply pipe 8 or a downstream side flow path 220 on a downstream side of the outflow path while distinguishing respective inner flow paths from each other.