Faucet Valve Safety Handle with Rotatable Insert Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing faucet assemblies with safety handles require complex assembly steps and are prone to errors, which can lead to component breakage and user dissatisfaction due to excessive torque during bonnet threading, especially when the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body.

Innovation Solution

A modified faucet design featuring a new bonnet and insert member that allows rotational movement without clamping the insert member between the bonnet and the body, using a rotatable insert member with guide walls and snap tabs to secure the valve element, preventing inadvertent opening and allowing easy rotation without high force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body during assembly, then the bonnet can be securely attached to the body, but the insert member cannot rotate freely and may break due to excessive torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonnet attachment strengthVSAvoidinsert member rotational movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into two functional parts: the bonnet threads to the body for secure attachment, while the insert member is positioned within the bonnet's opening to allow independent rotational movement. This segmentation allows the bonnet to provide structural strength while the insert member maintains operational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonnet acts as an intermediary between the body and the insert member. It provides a secure mounting structure attached to the body while simultaneously allowing the insert member to rotate freely within its opening, mediating between the need for strong attachment and free movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If excessive torque is applied during bonnet threading, then the bonnet can be securely fastened to the body, but the insert member may break or become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonnet to body connectionVSAvoidinsert member structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insert member is extracted from the clamping zone between the bonnet and body. It is positioned within the bonnet's opening rather than being compressed between the bonnet and body, removing it from the high-stress assembly area where excessive torque could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates potential damage from excessive torque by positioning the insert member away from the clamping zone before assembly occurs. The bonnet's opening provides a protective space that cushions the insert member against the forces generated during bonnet attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body, then assembly may be simplified, but the actuator handle cannot rotate smoothly without excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidactuator handle rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational function is segmented from the clamping function. The actuator handle rotates within the insert member's opening, which is itself positioned within the bonnet's opening, creating a segmented pathway that allows smooth rotation without interference from the clamping forces between the bonnet and body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the insert member is positioned to allow free rotation, then the actuator handle can move smoothly, but the insert member may become loose or detach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator handle rotational movementVSAvoidinsert member positioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The insert member is nested within the bonnet's opening, creating a hierarchical structure where the insert member can rotate freely while being contained and stabilized by the bonnet's structure. The bonnet acts as a protective outer shell that prevents the insert member from becoming loose or detaching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonnet serves as an intermediary structure that provides both containment and freedom of movement. It stabilizes the insert member's position within the assembly while simultaneously allowing the insert member to rotate freely within its opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9061876B2Faucet valve with safety handle

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 FOODSERVICES BRAND GROUP LLC

AI summary

A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids includes a valve body having a valve chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A valve element is located in the valve chamber and is movable from a first position for blocking flow between the inlet and outlet to a second position for permitting flow between the inlet and the outlet. An operating stem has an inner end operatively connected to the valve element and an outer end located external to the body. A bonnet is included, and an insert member is rotatably connected to the bonnet and defines an opening through which the stem extends. The bonnet and insert member are secured to the body and enclose the valve element in the valve chamber. The insert is located such that no portion of the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body.