Multi-Lumen Silicone Faucet Hose for Compact Liquid Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary faucets require multiple liquid lines to route different liquids to the outlet, leading to high space requirements and restricted design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary faucet with a silicone hose having multiple lumens (at least three) that route different liquids from their respective sources to the outlet opening, with a jacket covering the hose to protect it and reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate liquid lines are used to route different liquids, then each liquid can be routed independently, but the space requirements increase and design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate liquid lines into a single multi-lumen hose that can route multiple different liquids simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the overall space requirements while maintaining the ability to independently route cold water, hot water, and other liquids through separate lumens within the single hose structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple lumens are contained within a single hose. Each lumen is nested inside the same hose body, allowing multiple liquid pathways to occupy the same spatial envelope, thereby reducing the overall volume required compared to using separate external lines for each liquid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate liquid lines are used to route different liquids, then liquid routing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate liquid line components into a single integrated multi-lumen hose assembly. This reduces the total number of discrete components and connections required, simplifying the overall device while maintaining the capability to route multiple different liquids through its multiple lumens.
3Reliability
If a hose without jacket is used, then the hose is simpler to manufacture, but the hose lacks protection and has limited durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of an inner hose made of silicone material and an outer protective jacket. This composite construction provides enhanced protection, durability, and mechanical strength to the hose assembly, while the modular nature of the composite structure allows for relatively straightforward manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary faucet (1) having at least:a faucet housing (2) having an outlet (3) and an outlet opening (4); anda hose (5) made of silicone having at least one first lumen (6) for routing a first liquid from a first source of liquid (7) to the outlet opening (4), a second lumen (8) for routing a second liquid from a second source of liquid (9) to the outlet opening (4) and a third lumen (10) for routing a third liquid from a third source of liquid (11) to the outlet opening (4), wherein the hose (5) contains at least in part a jacket (12).