Universal Faucet Handle Adapter for Variable Shaft Sizes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handle assemblies for rotating shafts, such as faucet handles, require multiple versions to accommodate varying shaft sizes and forms, leading to complexity and high costs due to the need for adaptive mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A handle assembly with an adapter system comprising a nut, collet, and clamp, or a conical adapter with hinged jaws, which allows for secure attachment to shafts of different sizes and shapes using a fastener, enabling versatile and cost-effective installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of faucet handles are produced to accommodate different valve stem sizes, then adaptability to various shaft sizes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to shaft sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single handle assembly that can accommodate multiple shaft sizes through an adjustable adapter mechanism. The adapter includes a collet with adjustable compression portions and a clamp that can be configured to fit different shaft diameters, eliminating the need for multiple handle versions and reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by incorporating an adjustable adapter mechanism that can be dynamically configured for different shaft sizes. The clamp and collet assembly allows for adjustment of the compression portions to match various shaft diameters, enabling a single handle design to adapt to multiple applications without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of faucet handles are produced to accommodate different valve stem sizes, then adaptability to various shaft sizes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to shaft sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single handle assembly that can accommodate multiple shaft sizes through an adjustable adapter mechanism. The adapter includes a collet with adjustable compression portions and a clamp that can be configured to fit different shaft diameters, eliminating the need for multiple handle versions and reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive mechanisms are employed to attach a faucet handle to different valve stems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handle assembly into separate components: a handle body, an adapter assembly with collet, and a clamp mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and adjusted for different shaft sizes, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adaptability through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by incorporating an adjustable adapter mechanism that can be dynamically configured for different shaft sizes. The clamp and collet assembly allows for adjustment of the compression portions to match various shaft diameters, enabling a single handle design to adapt to multiple applications without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 handle assembly enables attachment to shafts with varying sizes and forms in a simpler and less expensive manner compared to conventional systems, providing a versatile solution for faucet handles and similar applications.

Implementation Method 1

a clamp configured for mounting on the compression portion and to be tightened around the compression portion to compress the collet to the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a fastener configured to extend through the fastener passage and to threadingly couple to the nut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11332913B2Universal faucet handles

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 BRASSCRAFT MFG CO

AI summary

Handle assemblies for coupling to a shaft are provided. Each assembly includes a handle having an end wall with a fastener passage extending therethrough and a side wall extending from the end wall to an open end. In one embodiment, an adapter assembly includes a nut, a collet having a fastener portion carrying the nut and a compression portion receiving the shaft, and a clamp mounted on the compression portion and tightened around the compression portion to compress the collet to the shaft. A fastener extends through the fastener passage and into the nut. In another embodiment, the handle defines a conical pocket in communication with the fastener passage. An adapter in the pocket includes circumferentially spaced jaws having conical outer surfaces and inner surfaces engaging the shaft and hinged connectors extending circumferentially between adjacent jaws. A fastener extends through the fastener passage and into the shaft.