Faucet structure and method for assembling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand dryers require significant space and are often installed far from sinks, making it difficult to integrate essential parts like flow guiding and sensing elements into a compact faucet structure.
Innovation Solution
A faucet structure featuring an integrally formed outer tube with a flow guiding part composed of interlocking half shells and a cap, allowing for threaded connections and assembly of sensing elements, along with a flexible lining tube for air-tightness, simplifies the combination of parts within a limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional hand dryer structure is used, then space requirement is large, but installation flexibility and integration with sink are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand dryer function with the faucet structure by integrating the flow guiding part into the faucet body. The outer tube of the faucet serves as the housing for the hand dryer components, merging two previously separate functions (water dispensing and hand drying) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate hand dryer installation and reduces overall space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guiding part is nested within the outer tube of the faucet. The hollow passage of the outer tube accommodates the flow guiding part, which in turn contains the sensing element and air discharging structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be housed within the limited space of the faucet body, achieving compact integration.
2Area of stationary object
If hand dryer is installed far from sink, then space for operation is sufficient, but connection to water supply and electrical wiring becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hand dryer function into the faucet structure, the invention eliminates the need for separate installation location. The sensing element can detect hands within the faucet body itself, and the air discharging structure delivers drying air directly at the sink location. This removes the requirement for distant installation and simplifies connections to water supply and electrical wiring.
3Volume of moving object
If space within faucet is limited, then compact integration is achieved, but assembly of multiple parts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding part is divided into a first half shell and a second half shell that can be assembled together within the hollow passage of the outer tube. The sensing element is separately mounted within the flow guiding part. This segmentation allows components to be manufactured and prepared separately, then assembled in a simplified sequence within the limited space of the faucet body.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube is pre-formed with an assembling gap that provides access to the hollow passage during the assembly process. This preliminary preparation of the assembly path allows components to be inserted and positioned correctly before the gap is closed, simplifying the overall assembly process within the compact faucet structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet structure and method for assembling same is disclosed. The structure includes an outer tube, flow guiding part and cap. The outer tube is provided with an assembling gap. The flow guiding part is provided within the outer tube, and with half shells. The first half shell is provided with supplying manifold passage(s) corresponded to the assembling gap, and a first assembling ramp facing the second half shell. The second half shell is provided with a second assembling ramp facing the first half shell and inclined oppositely to the first assembling ramp, and a first threaded connection portion facing one end opening of outer tube. The cap is in correspondence with the end opening, and provided with a second threaded connection portion corresponded to the first threaded connection portion. These threaded connection portions are engaged by threaded connection, while those half shells are pressed against a tube wall.