Modular Faucet Assembly With Locking Clasp for Fast Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucet designs require different product structures for each waterway configuration, leading to poor modularity and high costs, and the assembly process is inefficient due to complex nut-and-screw connections that obstruct rotation.
Innovation Solution
A faucet assembly with a mounting cavity, adapting pipe, and locking clasp, featuring a retention pin and locking screw for secure and efficient attachment, along with a modular water diverting module for multiple outlet configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nut-and-screw connection methods are used to secure the elbow fitting, then the faucet can be securely attached to the wall, but the assembly process becomes complex and inefficient due to obstructed rotation of the nut
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the elbow fitting with external threads, the retaining ring with internal threads and positioning protrusions, and the faucet body with corresponding receiving features. This segmentation allows the retaining ring to be independently threaded and positioned, enabling secure attachment while maintaining assembly efficiency through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring serves as an intermediary component between the elbow fitting and the faucet body. It provides the threaded connection interface and positioning features, mediating the connection between the wall-mounted elbow and the faucet assembly. This intermediary structure enables secure attachment without requiring complex nut-and-screw connections that obstruct assembly operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different product designs are created for each waterway configuration, then specific faucet functions are optimized, but modularity is poor and product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet body is designed with a universal mounting cavity and waterway structure that can accommodate multiple outlet configurations. The elbow fitting and retaining ring connection system provides a standardized interface that works across different faucet models. This universality allows a single base design to support various waterway configurations (single outlet, dual outlet, handheld shower, overhead shower, bathtub faucet) without requiring completely different product structures, thereby improving modularity and reducing overall product complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterway system is segmented into modular components: the universal faucet body with mounting cavity, interchangeable elbow fittings for different configurations, and separate outlet assemblies. This segmentation allows different waterway configurations to be achieved by combining the universal base with different modular attachments, rather than designing entirely different faucet bodies for each configuration, thus improving modularity while maintaining configuration-specific functionality.
3Reliability
If the nut is positioned on the rear side of the locking retention pin to press against it, then secure locking is achieved, but the axial length of the elbow must be increased to accommodate the nut and provide assembly space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the retaining ring (analogous to the nut) on the rear side of the elbow fitting, the design inverts the approach by having the retaining ring engage the external threads on the elbow fitting and extend forward to engage the faucet body's mounting cavity. The positioning protrusions on the retaining ring engage with corresponding features in the faucet body, providing secure locking without requiring excessive axial length. This inverted arrangement allows the locking mechanism to function from the forward direction rather than the rear.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring replicates the locking function traditionally provided by a nut-and-screw assembly but in a more space-efficient manner. The external threads on the elbow fitting and internal threads in the retaining ring create a threaded connection that provides secure attachment, while the positioning protrusions and mounting cavity engagement provide additional locking. This copied locking mechanism achieves reliable security without requiring the axial space needed for traditional rear-side nut assembly, thereby reducing the elbow's axial length.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet assembly and a faucet structure includes a faucet body including a mounting cavity, an adapting pipe, a locking clasp sleeved on the adapting pipe, a retention pin to secure the locking clasp in the mounting cavity and a locking screw to lock the adapting pipe and the locking clasp. The first end of the adapting pipe is positioned in the mounting cavity in a sealing manner and a second end of the adapting pipe extends out of the faucet body. The faucet body includes a screw via hole in communication with the mounting cavity, the locking clasp includes an internal threaded hole, and the locking screw passes through the screw via hole and couples to the internal threaded hole. The locking clasp includes a first slot on an outer surface and the retention pin is secured to the mounting cavity and coupled to the first slot.