Movable Nozzle Assembly with Spring-Locked Bracket for Urinal Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urinals with sensor-activated nozzles face maintenance challenges due to electronic component vulnerability in humid environments, making battery replacement and circuit maintenance inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A connecting structure featuring a movable nozzle assembly with a locking mechanism, including a steel ball and spring or spring strip, allows for easy detachment and replacement, integrating the electric control unit and battery within the nozzle assembly for quick maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the nozzle assembly is directly locked on the urinal bowl, then the nozzle is securely fixed, but maintenance becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is divided into two independent parts: the nozzle assembly (containing electronic components and battery) and the urinal bowl. The nozzle assembly can be detached from the urinal bowl through the connecting structure, allowing maintenance of electronic components without dismantling the entire urinal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure transforms the static fixed connection into a dynamic system that allows both stable operation (when connected) and easy maintenance (when detached). The movable connecting structure enables the nozzle assembly to be easily detached and reattached.
2Extent of automation
If electronic components and battery are arranged on the nozzle, then sensor-activated water discharge is achieved, but maintenance complexity increases due to vulnerability in humid environments
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components and battery are integrated into the movable nozzle assembly, separating them from the fixed urinal bowl. This segmentation allows the electronic subsystem to be maintained as a complete unit, reducing maintenance complexity despite the automated function.
3Ease of repair
If the nozzle assembly is made movable with a connecting structure, then maintenance becomes convenient and quick, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism within the connecting structure. The locking structure can be independently operated to secure or release the nozzle assembly, simplifying the overall design while enabling easy maintenance.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a locking structure with steel ball and spring is used, then the nozzle assembly is securely locked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded steel ball locking mechanism operates automatically. When the nozzle assembly is inserted into the connecting structure, the steel ball is pushed into the locking groove by spring pressure, achieving automatic locking without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism provides secure locking while maintaining simplicity.
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 rapid and convenient maintenance of urinal nozzles by allowing the nozzle assembly to be easily pulled out and replaced, reducing downtime and maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an inward end of the locking structure is provided with a steel ball, the steel ball is connected with a spring, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the nozzle bracket; under a pressure of the spring, the steel ball protrudes towards the nozzle assembly by a set distance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connecting structure, a nozzle assembly, a nozzle bracket and a urinal. The connecting structure includes: a urinal bowl, wherein the urinal bowl includes a basin surface for receiving urine, a middle upper portion of the urinal bowl comprises an accommodating space, and the nozzle assembly is disposed in the accommodating space; the nozzle bracket is disposed in the accommodating space; the nozzle bracket is movably connected with the nozzle assembly; and the nozzle bracket has a locking structure. The connecting structure according to the present disclosure enables the nozzle assembly of the urinal to be replaced and maintained conveniently and quickly.