Integrated Fixture Pod for Lavatory Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lavatory fixtures require complex disassembly to service dispensing elements and sensors, making installation and maintenance cumbersome and time-consuming, as these components are typically secured separately and inaccessible without tools.
Innovation Solution
A fixture pod assembly that integrates a dispensing element, such as an aerator or soap dispenser, and a sensor within a main body, allowing easy insertion and removal from the fixture outlet, with interfit elements like locking dogs and fasteners for secure retention, enabling minimal tooling and efficient servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors and dispensing elements are secured separately within the fixture, then they can be independently installed and positioned, but servicing requires complicated disassembly and special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor and dispensing element into a single integrated assembly that is retained within a common cavity of the fixture body. This merging allows both components to be serviced together through simple removal of the entire assembly, eliminating the need for complicated disassembly while maintaining independent functionality of each component
2Reliability
If sensors are secured in inaccessible locations within the fixture, then they are protected from external damage, but servicing requires taking apart the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fixture into two functional segments: a fixed fixture body that provides protection and structure, and a removable sensor/dispenser assembly that contains the serviceable components. This segmentation allows the protective function to remain with the fixed body while the serviceable components can be easily accessed by removing only the assembly, not the entire fixture
3Strength
If dispensing elements are secured within the opening requiring tools, then they are firmly retained, but installation and servicing require specialized tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dispensing element from its traditional permanently fixed position and relocates it to a removable assembly that can be easily taken out of the fixture. This extraction maintains firm retention during normal operation through proper mechanical engagement, but allows simple removal for servicing by pulling the entire assembly outward without requiring special tools
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture pod assembly retained within an outlet of a fixture includes a main body having an inlet and an outlet, a dispersion element retained within the outlet of the main body, and a sensor disposed within an opening of the main body. The dispersion element may be either an aerator or a soap dispenser.