Modular Connection Device for Water Dispensing Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for water outlet fittings are complex to assemble and replace, with a lack of efficient assembly methods and inadequate logistics in construction phases, leading to potential water leakage during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising an installation unit and a functional unit, where the functional unit is designed for easy connection and disconnection with a valve for flow control, a shut-off element for safety, and a filter with a securing element to prevent unintentional water leakage, allowing for selective replacement of water-carrying parts and separate storage of control and electrical supply elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connection device uses a complex assembly of individual components arranged inside and outside the housing, then the connection functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate units: an installation unit that remains fixed in the wall during shell construction, and a functional unit that can be assembled separately and connected later. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured and prepared independently, significantly reducing assembly complexity and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation unit is pre-assembled and installed in the wall during the shell construction phase, with interfaces prepared in advance. The functional unit is also prepared separately with pre-installed components. This preliminary action enables the functional unit to be quickly connected to the installation unit later, without requiring complex on-site assembly of all components.
2Reliability
If the functional unit is connected to the installation unit during shell construction, then the complete system is available early, but water leakage risk increases during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The separation into installation unit and functional unit allows the functional unit to be connected to the installation unit only when needed, after the shell construction is complete. During maintenance, the functional unit can be disconnected from the installation unit without affecting the installation unit itself, enabling safe maintenance operations without water leakage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the installation unit and functional unit is designed to be dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. The functional unit can be connected when needed and disconnected for maintenance, providing operational flexibility that balances reliability during operation with ease of maintenance when required.
3Ease of repair
If all water-conducting elements are integrated into a single unit, then the structure is simplified, but replacement efficiency decreases when maintenance is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The water-conducting elements are segmented between two units: fixed installation unit interfaces and a removable functional unit containing replaceable components. This allows selective replacement of water-conducting elements in the functional unit without affecting the installation unit, significantly improving replacement efficiency during maintenance while accepting moderate structural complexity.
4Ease of repair
If the filter is permanently fixed in the line piece, then the structure is more stable, but filter replacement becomes difficult during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter securing element is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be firmly secured during normal operation to prevent accidental dislodgement, while enabling intentional removal when maintenance is required. This provides both operational stability and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-secured in the line piece with a securing element that maintains stability during operation. The securing element is designed to allow preliminary preparation for filter replacement by providing a clear mechanism for intentional disengagement, facilitating easy filter replacement when maintenance is needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A connection device (1) for a dispensing fitting comprises an installation unit (2) with a housing (3), at least one supply interface (4) which can be connected to a water line on its inlet side (5), and at least one outlet interface (6) which can be connected to a water line leading to the dispensing fitting on its outlet side (7), and a functional unit (8) separately formed from the installation unit (2), which can be connected to the installation unit (2), and which comprises a pipe section (9) having a pipe section inlet (10) and a pipe section outlet (11). The pipe section inlet (10) can be fluidically connected to the outlet side (25) of the supply interface (4), and the pipe section outlet (11) can be fluidically connected to the inlet side (26) of the outlet interface (6).In the pipe section (9) there is at least one valve (12) between the pipe section inlet (10) and the pipe section outlet (11) with which the flow through the pipe section (9) can be controlled.