Faucet Handle Coupling Structure for Easier Valve Rod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucet apparatuses face challenges such as requiring the inner tube of the connecting tube to match the valve rod's shape and size for smooth installation, difficulty in aligning and locking screws due to narrow internal spaces, and an unattractive appearance with exposed through holes.
Innovation Solution
The faucet apparatus includes a connecting piece with a housing and a neck portion, a locating member with elastic claws, and a handle with notches and an engaging groove. The connecting piece is connected to the valve rod via screws, and the locating member is used to securely attach the handle to the faucet, eliminating the need for through holes in the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner tube of the connecting tube is made to match the valve rod's shape and size, then the installation becomes smooth, but the design flexibility and ease of manufacture are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the handle and valve rod. This connecting piece includes a receiving space that accommodates the valve rod and a locating head that interfaces with the handle, allowing each component to be manufactured independently without requiring precise shape matching between the handle's inner tube and the valve rod.
2Reliability
If screws are installed through a narrow internal space of the handle, then the connection is secure, but the alignment and locking process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The screw installation path is moved from the narrow internal space of the handle to the external surface of the connecting piece. The connecting piece provides an accessible platform where screws can be easily aligned and locked from the outside, eliminating the difficulty of working within the confined internal space while maintaining secure connection through the same screw-to-valve-rod interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If through holes are exposed on the faucet surface, then the screw installation is simplified, but the appearance becomes unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece serves as a mediator that hides the screw installation mechanism. Instead of exposing through holes on the faucet body or handle, the screws are installed on the connecting piece's external surface, which is positioned in a less visible location or designed to be aesthetically acceptable, thus maintaining installation simplicity while improving overall appearance.
4Shape
If a cover is used to hide the through hole, then the appearance improves, but the outlook lacks consistency and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the structural connection between handle and valve rod, serves as the mounting platform for screws, and acts as an aesthetic cover that eliminates the need for separate through holes or additional cosmetic covers. This integration maintains appearance quality while reducing overall device complexity.
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
This design allows for easy installation without shape or size constraints, reduces assembly time and labor, and provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance by eliminating exposed through holes.
Implementation Method 1
the claws are located separately to enable the claws to have elasticity of actively returning after external expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet apparatus may include a faucet, a connecting piece, a locating member, and a handle. The faucet has a valve chamber formed therein, and a control valve is installed in the valve chamber, and the control valve comprises a valve rod protruding out from the valve chamber. The connecting piece is concaved to form a housing on the end thereof, and the other end of the connecting piece comprises a neck portion to connect to a locating head. A plurality of protruding portions are formed on the outer periphery of the connecting piece, and each of the protruding portions comprises a screw hole thereon to communicate with the housing. The connecting piece is connected to the valve rod through the housing, and a plurality of screws are configured to respectively screw into the screw holes to abut against the valve rod.