Jet Regulator Latching Mechanism for Sanitary Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet regulators for sanitary outlet fittings require additional outlet mouthpieces for fastening, which can be aesthetically unappealing and involve design complexities, especially when the visible side of the fitting housing is narrow, and existing solutions with set screws can be objectionable.
Innovation Solution
A jet regulator that can be releasably latched into the water outlet without visible fastening means, utilizing integrally formed spring arms on the housing that engage with an undercut in the outlet fitting, allowing for a round or rectangular cross-section design and facilitated dismounting with a release tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set screw is used to fasten the jet regulator in the water outlet, then the jet regulator can be securely fixed, but the passage opening and set screw adversely affect the external appearance of the outlet fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visible set screw and passage opening from the external appearance by integrating the fastening mechanism inside the outlet fitting. The jet regulator housing is fastened to the fitting housing through internal fastening means that are not visible from the outside, thereby extracting the harmful visual element while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the jet regulator housing with the outlet fitting by integrating the fastening mechanism within the fitting housing. The fastening means are combined into a single integrated structure where the jet regulator housing and fitting housing form a unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate visible fastening components.
2Reliability
If an outlet mouthpiece is used to fasten the jet regulator, then the jet regulator can be securely mounted, but additional outlet mouthpieces involve considerable design expenditure and create gaps that are perceived as problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outlet mouthpiece function directly into the outlet fitting housing, eliminating the need for a separate detachable outlet mouthpiece. The jet regulator housing is fastened directly to the fitting housing with the water outlet formed by the fitting housing itself, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet fitting housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the water outlet, serves as the mounting structure for the jet regulator, and contains the fastening mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate outlet mouthpieces and reduces design complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jet regulator housing has a rectangular cross section to match the outlet fitting, then it can be properly fitted, but a set screw extending through a passage opening is required which affects the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible passage opening and set screw from the external appearance by providing a passage opening in the fitting housing that is not visible from the outside. The fastening means are positioned within the fitting housing interior, thereby maintaining shape compatibility while preserving aesthetic appearance.
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
Enables secure, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-install jet regulators without the need for additional outlet mouthpieces, with the fastening mechanism being hidden from view and simple to disassemble using a release tool.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arm is integrally formed on the housing outer periphery of the jet regulator housing, which at least one spring arm, in the use position, engages with its free arm end behind an undercut on the inner periphery of the water outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A jet regulator, having a non-circular profile when viewed in a flow direction, is provided. The jet regulator includes a jet regulator housing configured to be inserted into a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting from an outlet end side. The housing includes a latching part, which has at least one spring arm integrally formed on an outer periphery of the jet regulator housing, the at least one spring arm extending tangentially away from the housing, in the flow direction, toward a free arm end. The at least one spring arm is resiliently biased away from the housing.