Integrated Faucet Valve Mount With Quarter-Turn Lock Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current faucets lack standardization of components across different configurations, making manufacturing and assembly complex. Additionally, the installation process is ergonomically challenging and time-consuming due to the need for manual threading of a threaded ring attachment, and leaks are difficult to detect until the faucet is almost fully assembled.
Innovation Solution
The faucet design incorporates a base with a valve cartridge and a structure that includes a mount with protrusions and a smooth portion, along with a lock plate that detachably couples to the mount. This design simplifies manufacturing by standardizing parts and streamlines installation with a quarter turn attachment, allowing for independent water testing of the waterway sub-assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded ring attachment is used to secure the faucet, then the faucet can be firmly installed, but the installation process becomes ergonomically challenging and time-consuming due to manual threading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a mounting body with external threading and a separate lock ring with internal threading. This segmentation allows the lock ring to be independently manipulated and installed without requiring the installer to reach underneath the sink, as the threading direction can be optimized for top-side installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading direction is inverted from the conventional approach. Instead of requiring clockwise tightening from underneath the sink, the lock ring is designed with left-handed threading that allows clockwise tightening from the top side of the sink, making the installation process ergonomic and time-efficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are tailored to specific faucet configurations, then each faucet can be optimized for its design, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting body and lock ring are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple faucet configurations. The standardized threading interface and modular design allow these components to be applied to various faucet types (single-hole, three-hole, widespread) without modification, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining configuration-specific optimization.
3Reliability
If the faucet is almost fully assembled before water testing, then complete assembly can be verified, but repair costs increase due to labor loss from disassembly and reassembly if leaks are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet assembly is segmented into modular components (mounting body, lock ring, valve cartridge, spout assembly) that can be independently tested. The mounting body and lock ring can be assembled and tested separately from the valve cartridge, allowing leak detection at intermediate stages without requiring complete assembly, thereby reducing repair costs if leaks are detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a valve cartridge configured to control a flow of water and a structure that supports the valve cartridge. The structure includes a mount having a concave portion and a smooth portion positioned adjacent to the concave portion. The structure includes a lock plate that detachably couples to the mount, in which the lock plate has a convex portion. The convex portion of the lock plate interfaces with the concave portion of the mount in a first rotational position to secure the lock plate relative to the mount. The lock plate slides along the smooth portion in a second rotational position.