Faucet Locking Sleeve Mechanism for Tight-Space Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucet mounting systems require large nuts that need significant torque to tighten or loosen, making it difficult and laborious, especially in narrow spaces under basins or bathroom cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A faucet locking mechanism that includes a connecting sleeve, a locking sleeve with flexible retainers, a sliding frame, and a screw element, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with minimal torque and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large diameter nut is used to secure the faucet inlet pipe or sleeve pipe, then the faucet can be firmly locked, but a large wrench is required which cannot be used in narrow mounting spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple components: a locking sleeve with flexible retainers, a sliding frame, and a screw element. This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved through a compact mechanism that can be operated with minimal space, replacing the need for a large wrench while maintaining secure locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible retainers are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust during the locking process. When the sliding frame moves axially, it presses the retainers to expand outward and engage with the connecting sleeve, creating a secure lock without requiring large torque or wide operating space.
2Reliability
If a large wrench is used to tighten the nut, then the faucet can be securely locked, but the mounting space requirements increase making it unsuitable for narrow spaces under basins or bathroom cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within each other: the flexible retainers are arranged within the locking sleeve, and the sliding frame moves within the locking sleeve to actuate the retainers. This nested arrangement creates a compact structure that fits within narrow mounting spaces while providing reliable locking when activated.
3Strength
If a nut with large diameter is used, then the faucet can be firmly secured, but the operation becomes time-consuming and laborious with low mounting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retainers automatically engage with the connecting sleeve when the sliding frame is actuated by the screw element. The elastic deformation and recovery of the retainers provide self-locking functionality, eliminating the need for complex tightening operations and significantly improving mounting efficiency while maintaining secure fastening.
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 efficient and convenient assembly and disassembly of faucets with reduced space and torque requirements, improving mounting efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is provided within the locking sleeve, the spring surrounds the sliding frame and contacts the sliding frame
Implementation Method 2
a screw element threaded-connected with the sliding frame and used for driving the sliding frame to slide up and down
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet locking mechanism, a faucet assembly and a faucet mounting structure comprising a connecting sleeve, a locking sleeve, a sliding frame and a screw element; wherein the locking sleeve is provided with a plurality of flexible retainers arranged around the connecting sleeve at intervals, and the sliding frame is slidably assembled around the plurality of the flexible retainers; the screw element passes through the sliding frame and the locking sleeve and is capable of driving the sliding frame to press and separate from the flexible retainers; retainer ends of the plurality of flexible retainers are locked with the connecting sleeve respectively when the sliding frame presses the flexible retainers.