Modular Side-Spray Faucet With Interlocking Waterways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faucet and spray head components are often limited in size and design, leading to increased costs due to the need for larger components and complex coupling mechanisms, which restricts the range of motion and efficiency in water dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
A faucet assembly with interlocking waterways, including a diverter and a curved waterway, where the first waterway is configured with a valve assembly and retention features that allow for rotational and axial alignment within the faucet body, reducing the need for additional fasteners and minimizing the overall size and weight of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional separate sprayer unit with flexible hose is used, then range of motion is improved, but device complexity and component size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sprayer unit and flexible hose into a single integrated faucet assembly. The spray head is directly coupled to the faucet body through an internal waterway system, eliminating the need for separate components and flexible hoses, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If larger components are used to accommodate interlocking waterways, then manufacturing precision is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested waterways where the first waterway is positioned concentrically within the second waterway. This nesting arrangement allows both waterways to share the same spatial envelope, enabling precise interlocking fits without requiring larger overall component dimensions, thus avoiding increased weight
3Reliability
If more fasteners and coupling mechanisms are added, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupling mechanisms directly into the waterway structures themselves. The first waterway includes a distal end configured to couple to the second waterway, and the second waterway includes a proximal end configured to receive the first waterway, creating self-contained coupling systems that eliminate the need for separate fasteners and reduce part count while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet assembly includes: a linear first waterway defining a first fluid pathway therethrough, wherein the first waterway comprises a valve configured to open and close the first fluid pathway; a curved second waterway defining a second fluid pathway therethrough, wherein a proximal end of the second waterway is configured to fluidically couple to a distal end of the first waterway to define a common fluid pathway through the faucet assembly; a faucet body having an interior surface defining one or more engagement features configured to retain the first waterway in place within the faucet body; and a spray face configured to removably couple to a distal mouth of the faucet body to retain the second waterway within the faucet body.