Flush-Mounted Mixer Assembly With Adjustable Control Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted water mixing groups face challenges in achieving precise positioning of control members within the plate, leading to incorrect installation and increased installation time due to adjustable feet not ensuring perfect alignment and uniformity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable coupling means between the control member and the valve allows for height adjustment without removing the body from the recessed seat, enabling correct positioning of the control member by varying the distance between the control member and the valve through a threaded connection and toothed wheel mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable feet are used to position the body inside the seat, then the body can be positioned at different depths, but the control members cannot be precisely positioned within the plate openings
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into two independent segments: adjustable feet for positioning the body at the correct depth, and adjustable coupling means for precisely positioning the control members within the plate openings. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific positioning function independently, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means acts as an intermediary element between the control member and the valve. It includes a coupling element with threaded connection that allows precise adjustment of the control member's position relative to the plate opening, while being independent of the body's position established by the adjustable feet.
2Manufacturing precision
If the body is mounted too deep in the seat, then the control members are inset inside the plate openings, but replacement of support legs is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means is designed to be dynamically adjustable after the body is mounted in the seat. The threaded connection allows the installer to screw or unscrew the coupling element to achieve the correct depth, and this adjustment can be made without removing the body from the seat, making the system adaptable during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable feet allow the body to be preliminarily positioned at the correct depth before the control members are installed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the control members will align correctly with the plate openings, preventing the need for replacement parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-uniform seat recess is encountered, then the support surface for feet is not flat, but the control members cannot be aligned uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent systems: the adjustable feet handle the vertical positioning of the body to compensate for non-uniform seat recess, while the adjustable coupling means handle the precise horizontal and vertical positioning of control members within the plate openings. This ensures uniform alignment regardless of seat variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means allows changing the positional parameters of the control members independently of the body's position. By adjusting the threaded connection, the control members can be precisely aligned with the plate openings even when the body position varies due to non-uniform seat recess.
4Manufacturing precision
If control members are not precisely positioned, then installation time increases due to need for replacement parts
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling means provides dynamic adjustment capability during installation, allowing the installer to achieve precise positioning of control members without removing the body or replacing parts. The threaded connection enables quick adjustments by simply screwing or unscrewing the coupling element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-adjusting during installation. The adjustable coupling means allows the installer to self-correct positioning errors by adjusting the threaded connection, eliminating the need for replacement parts and reducing installation time.
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 solution simplifies the installation process by allowing for quick and precise alignment of control members with the plate surface, reducing the need for replacement parts and minimizing installation time, ensuring accurate and efficient assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is provided with a threaded connection and the coupling means are provided with a threaded rod, the distance between the control member and the valve being able to be varied by screwing or unscrewing the rod into/from the connection.
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable coupling means between the control member and the valve allows for height adjustment without removing the body from the recessed seat, enabling correct positioning of the control member by varying the distance between the control member and the valve through a threaded connection and toothed wheel mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flush-mounted group (1) for mixing water for a bathroom or kitchen, comprising: a body (2) comprising a valve (6), designed to be installed in a seat having a given depth with respect a finished surface, a fastening means (4) for fixing the body (2) to the seat, which is adjustable on the body (2) so as to set the depth at which the body (2) is inset inside the seat, a plate (3) which can be mounted on the finished surface so as to enclose the body (3) inside the seat and which is provided with an opening (5) for accessing the body (3), a control member (7) for operating the valve (6), which is connected to the valve (6) through the opening (5) of the plate (3). The mixing group comprises a coupling means (8) for connecting together the valve (6) and the control member (7), which can be adjusted so as to vary a distance between the control member (7) and the valve (6) and ensure correct positioning of the control member (7) inside the opening (5).