Multipositional Faucet Spout Adjustable Rotation Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard faucets are manufactured with a fixed range of spout rotation, limiting installer and homeowner flexibility in choosing the desired rotational range.
Innovation Solution
A faucet design that includes adjustable components allowing the installer to select any rotational range between 0° and 360° by varying the distance between engagement structures, enabling full 360° rotation or locking the spout, using features like adjusting nuts, multifunction sleeves, and spacers to customize the rotational range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard faucets are manufactured with a fixed range of spout rotation, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different installation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is divided into multiple discrete engagement surfaces (first, second, third, fourth engagement surfaces) on the spout and corresponding surfaces on the base. By selecting which surfaces engage, the spout rotation range can be segmented into different predetermined ranges (first, second, third rotational ranges), allowing adaptability without requiring a completely different faucet design for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet engagement structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide full 360-degree rotation, limited rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or fixed positioning. This multi-functional engagement structure eliminates the need for separate faucet models for different installation scenarios, making a single faucet design universally applicable to various sink configurations and user preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spout is made fully rotatable through 360°, then maximum flexibility is achieved, but control over spout position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure allows dynamic selection between different operational states: the spout can be configured for full 360-degree rotation when maximum flexibility is needed, or limited to specific rotational ranges (first, second, or third rotational ranges) when position control is prioritized. The system transitions between these states based on installation requirements, optimizing both flexibility and controllability as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engagement structures are positioned to allow maximum rotation, then rotational freedom is maximized, but structural stability during rotation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete engagement surfaces are provided instead of a single continuous engagement interface. The spout has first, second, third, and fourth engagement surfaces, while the base has corresponding surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to provide stable engagement at specific rotational positions while still permitting rotation between these positions, balancing rotational freedom with structural stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet that permits an installer to select any of a plurality of desired spout rotational ranges of the spout with respect to the faucet base. The faucet can include adjustable components that allow the installer to select a degree of rotation of the spout with respect to the base. The degree of rotation can be any suitable range between 0° and 360°, inclusive, in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the degree of rotation is 360°, the spout may rotate through multiple rotations of 360°. In some embodiments, the installer can choose between a preselected number of rotational ranges. In other embodiments, the selectable range of rotation is variable and the installer can select between a desired suitable range.