Articulating Faucet Spout With Progressive Magnetic Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water delivery devices, such as faucets, have fixed structural shapes and orientations, limiting their adjustability and aesthetic versatility.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic joints with varying numbers of magnetic members allows for the rotation of conduit sections, enabling the reconfiguration of the spout's shape and orientation, with magnetic joints closer to the mounting surface having more magnets for increased biasing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic joints with varying numbers of magnetic members are used, then the adjustability and rotational ease of conduit sections is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the number of magnetic members in each magnetic joint based on its specific location and functional requirements. Magnetic joints closer to the mounting surface have more magnetic members for stronger biasing force, while those farther away have fewer members. This localized differentiation optimizes rotational ease at each position without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a progressive gradient of magnetic joint configurations. The number of magnetic members decreases progressively from the mounting surface outward, allowing the spout to be dynamically reconfigurable between multiple predetermined positions. This dynamic design enables easy adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through the progressive magnetic gradient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic joints closer to the mounting surface have more magnetic members, then the biasing force and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnetic joint system into multiple discrete magnetic members that can be individually positioned and assembled. Each magnetic joint is segmented into a specific number of magnetic members based on its location, allowing for standardized manufacturing of individual components that are then assembled into the progressive gradient configuration. This segmentation enables stable magnetic joints while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of magnetic members varies across different magnetic joints, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the loss of time in assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring magnetic joints with specific numbers of magnetic members during manufacturing to achieve the desired progressive gradient. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the device is assembled, the varying complexity of different magnetic joints does not significantly increase assembly time, as the magnetic members are already positioned and prepared in their final configurations.
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 enhances the functionality of water delivery devices by allowing them to fill containers, provide access for cleaning, offer clearance around appliances, and change their aesthetic appearance with minimal user effort, while minimizing friction at the joints.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic joints each including a plurality of magnetic members, and a plurality of conduit sections each rotatably coupled to each other by a magnetic joint of the plurality of magnetic joints
Data Source
AI summary
A water delivery device includes a plurality of magnetic joints each including a plurality of magnetic members, and a plurality of conduit sections each rotatably coupled to each other by a magnetic joint of the plurality of magnetic joints. The plurality of conduit sections collectively define a spout of the water delivery device. The spout extends from a first portion configured to be coupled to a mounting surface to a second portion configured to discharge a fluid. The water delivery device is configured such that magnetic joints located closer to the first portion include a greater number of magnetic members than magnetic joints located closer to the second portion.