Faucet Joint Assembly With Self-Aligning Guide Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucet joint assemblies require manual alignment and tool-assisted installation, which is inconvenient and prone to damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with guide structures that automatically align and connect coupling portions without manual intervention, using guide pieces and guide plates to facilitate seamless integration and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw connection is used to connect joint assembly, then connection strength is improved, but installation convenience deteriorates due to requiring auxiliary tools and manual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly's guide structure automatically guides the water pipe or connector during insertion, enabling self-alignment without requiring manual alignment or auxiliary tools. The structure serves itself by incorporating the guiding function directly into the connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary element between the joint assembly and the water pipe/connector. It facilitates the connection process by providing a path that automatically aligns the components, mediating between the need for strong connection and ease of installation.
2Ease of operation
If plug-in method is used to assemble faucet, then tool requirement is reduced, but installation time increases due to requiring manual alignment in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure enables the joint assembly to perform the alignment function automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for pre-alignment operations. The system serves itself by integrating the alignment mechanism into the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-configured in the joint assembly to provide the alignment path before insertion occurs. This preliminary arrangement of the guide structure eliminates the need for manual pre-alignment, allowing direct insertion without time-consuming preparation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required before insertion, then connection precision can be achieved, but risk of component damage increases due to assembly operations without proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure automatically performs the alignment function during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations that could cause damage. The structure protects itself and the connected components by providing inherent guidance throughout the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between misaligned components during insertion. It mediates the connection process by ensuring proper alignment is maintained throughout, reducing the risk of damage from forced assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly and a faucet include a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion. A first connecting structure and a first guide structure are disposed on the first coupling portion. A connecting structure and a second guide structure are disposed on the second coupling portion. The second coupling portion and the first coupling portion are sleeved with each other. The first guide structure and the second guide structure cooperate with each other to limit a movement direction of the first coupling portion and a movement direction of the second coupling portion in a sleeving process, so that the first connecting structure is aligned with the second connecting structure; The first connecting structure and the second connecting structure cooperate with each other to position the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion after the second coupling portion and the first coupling portion are sleeved with each other.