Kitchen Faucet Swivelling Outlet Insert Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing kitchen faucet designs with a water distribution ring surrounding the mixing cartridge are complex to assemble and require special sealing, making the installation of the mixing cartridge to water supply lines difficult due to the intricate connections.
Innovation Solution
The water distribution ring is integrated as a component of an insert adjacent to the mixing cartridge, comprising an upper disk, a water-carrying intermediate piece, and a lower disk, forming a preassembled unit that can be independently installed, with axial movement to compensate for height adjustments, and featuring a multi-part design for improved rotary bearing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water distribution ring surrounds the mixing cartridge on the outside, then the mixed water does not contact metal components, but the construction and assembly become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution ring is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately around the mixing cartridge. This segmentation allows the ring to be installed in sections rather than as a single complex piece, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining the protective function of preventing mixed water contact with metal components.
2Reliability
If the water distribution ring encloses the mixing cartridge, then metal contact is prevented, but the installation of mixing cartridge to water supply lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution ring is pre-assembled with connection elements and sealing components already in place before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the mixing cartridge to be connected to water supply lines more easily, as the connection interfaces are already prepared and aligned, reducing the difficulty of installation while maintaining the protective enclosure.
3Reliability
If the water distribution ring is made as a single enclosing component, then sealing is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution ring employs a nested structure where multiple components are fitted together in concentric layers. The sealing elements are nested within the ring structure, and the mixing cartridge is nested within the ring, creating a compact assembly that achieves reliable sealing through the nested arrangement rather than complex external sealing mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The kitchen faucet has a water distribution ring (33), which is a component part of an adjoining insert piece (18) that is joined to a mixing cartridge (28) and has water ways for supply and distribution of cold water, hot water and mixed water. The insert piece consists of an upper disk (23) adjoined to the cartridge and a water supplying intermediate piece (19) adjoined to the upper disk.