Articulating Faucet Joint Clutch Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional faucet systems require both a fixed faucet and a separate spray hose assembly to transport water to desired angles, leading to duplication and complexity in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An articulating faucet joint with a clutch assembly that includes a clutch pin, interface member, and end cap, which applies a resistive torque to inhibit relative movement between the faucet's components, allowing for adjustable resistance and simplified design by integrating the water hook-up within the faucet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed faucet and separate spray hose assembly are used to transport water to desired angles, then water delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to duplication of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixed faucet and spray hose assembly into a single integrated articulating faucet system. The faucet body includes an integrated spray mechanism that can deliver water to various angles without requiring a separate spray hose assembly, thereby reducing component duplication while maintaining water delivery versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating faucet is designed with multi-functional capability, serving both as a fixed faucet and a spray system through integrated mechanisms. The spray head can be positioned and directed to provide both stationary and mobile water delivery functions within a single device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed faucet and spray hose assembly are used, then water transport to various angles is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixed faucet and spray hose assembly into a unified articulating faucet system with integrated controls. The single integrated structure allows users to operate both faucet and spray functions through one system, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate components and improving operational convenience
3Ease of operation
If a clutch assembly with multiple components is added to the articulating faucet joint, then control over relative movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is designed as a modular component integrated into the joint structure, with the clutch pin, interface member, and end cap functioning as coordinated sub-components. This segmented approach allows the control function to be achieved through a dedicated module rather than distributing control mechanisms throughout the entire faucet system
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch pin acts as an intermediary element between the first and second housing, providing controlled resistance to relative movement. The interface member and end cap work together as intermediary components that transmit and regulate the resistive torque, enabling smooth control of articulation without requiring complex mechanical linkages
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
Enables controlled and directed water flow to preferred locations with reduced components and enhanced mobility, improving user experience and simplifying the faucet system's design while maintaining effective water delivery.
Implementation Method 1
Relative movement between the first friction element and the second friction element provides a resistive torque that inhibits relative motion between the first housing and the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
A joint for an articulating faucet includes a first housing, a second housing, and a clutch assembly. The first housing defines a first inner cavity and the second housing defines a second inner cavity. The second housing is coupled to the first housing such that fluid may flow from the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity. The clutch assembly is coupled to at least one of the first housing and the second housing and is configured to apply a resistive torque that inhibits movement of the first and second housings relative to each other. The clutch assembly includes a clutch pin, an interface member, and an end cap. The end cap is coupled to a first end of the clutch pin and the interface member. Movement of the end cap varies the magnitude of the resistive torque applied by the clutch assembly.