Faucet Handle Coupling for Toolless Service Without Wobble

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Solution Overview

Problem

Faucet handles are difficult to service or replace due to fastener-based attachment methods, which disrupt the aesthetic quality and require additional components like plugs and friction washers, and can lead to wobble issues.

Innovation Solution

A handle connection system that uses annular projections and channels to toollessly couple and uncouple the handle from the yoke, maintaining an uninterrupted exterior surface and eliminating the need for fasteners and friction washers, ensuring consistent rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fasteners are used to attach the handle to the valve stem, then the handle can be securely retained, but the aesthetic quality is decreased and servicing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of servicingVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastener components (screws, plugs, friction washers) from the handle assembly, relocating them to the yoke structure. This allows the handle exterior to remain uninterrupted and aesthetically pleasing while still providing secure attachment and easy servicing through the yoke-embedded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate component (the yoke with integrated fastener receptacles) that mediates between the handle and valve stem. This intermediary structure provides the necessary mechanical connection and servicing access without requiring visible fasteners on the handle surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If fasteners and plugs are used to retain the handle, then the handle is securely attached, but additional components increase manufacturing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (fasteners, plugs, friction washers) into a single integrated yoke structure. The yoke contains embedded fastener receptacles that provide both attachment strength and simplified manufacturing by reducing the total component count and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the handle is securely fastened to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the ability to service or replace the valve is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle stabilityVSAvoidvalve serviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic fastening system where the handle can be easily detached for servicing and then securely reattached. The yoke-embedded fasteners allow the handle to transition between a stable installed state and a removable service state, providing both stability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12188574B2Handle connection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A process includes placing a collar around a valve cartridge, the valve cartridge comprising a valve stem. The process also includes aligning the valve stem with an engagement crown of a handle such that an opening of the handle is located over the collar. The process also includes press fitting the valve stem into the engagement crown while pressing the handle towards the collar and such that the valve stem is rotatably coupled to the handle through the engagement crown. The process also includes rotating the handle relative to the collar to rotate the valve stem after press fitting the valve stem into the engagement crown.