Panel Assembly Positioning Member for Tap Device Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bath device tap installations face issues with exposed screws and decorative sleeves due to varying wall depths, leading to uneven force distribution, potential tilting of conduits, and reduced service life, along with aesthetic concerns and increased environmental impact from electroplating.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly with a positioning member that can be axially adjusted and secured to the valve cover, eliminating the need for long screws, and incorporating a handle with a spacer to maintain consistent gap and provide support, ensuring proper alignment and stability regardless of wall depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two long screws are used to secure the decorative panel to the conduits, then the panel can be fixed to walls with different depths, but the force applied to the panel becomes uneven causing tilting of conduits and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning member as an intermediary component between the panel and the valve body. This positioning member includes a positioning plate with through holes and positioning blocks that engage with corresponding structures on the valve body, distributing the securing force uniformly across multiple contact points rather than through two long screws that cause uneven force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent positioning blocks and corresponding positioning structures distributed across the panel and valve body. Instead of relying on two long screws concentrated at specific points, the force is distributed through multiple segmented contact points including positioning blocks, recesses, and engagement structures that work together to maintain uniform force distribution.
2Strength
If two long screws and decorative sleeves are used for panel installation, then the panel can be secured, but the exposed screws and sleeves affect the appearance and require electroplating increasing cost and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible screw heads and decorative sleeves from the final assembly appearance. The positioning member uses recesses and engagement structures where the panel periphery fits into recesses on the positioning member, hiding the fastening elements. The valve cover and positioning member work together to conceal all securing components, leaving only the clean panel surface visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the securing function with the aesthetic cover components. The valve cover and positioning member are designed as integrated aesthetic elements that simultaneously provide structural support and hide the fastening mechanism. The positioning member combines the functions of securing the panel, positioning the handle, and providing a clean visible surface.
3Ease of operation
If the axial rod protrudes out of the wall without supporting members, then the handle can be engaged, but the rod shakes readily leading to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by introducing positioning blocks and support structures on the valve body that engage with the axial rod before the handle is operated. The positioning member and valve cover create a supported environment for the axial rod, preventing excessive movement and reducing stress concentrations that would lead to cracking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the axial rod support system by adding positioning blocks, recesses, and engagement structures that alter the rod's movement characteristics. These structural modifications change the rod from an unsupported protruding element to a constrained component with controlled movement parameters, reducing shaking and stress during handle operation.
4Strength
If long screws are used to secure the panel, then the panel can be fixed, but the screws need to be electroplated increasing cost and environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive electroplated long screws with simpler, shorter positioning blocks and engagement structures made from base materials without requiring decorative electroplating finishes. The positioning member uses functional fastening elements that are concealed and do not require aesthetic surface treatments, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful electroplating processes while maintaining adequate securing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a panel assembly and a tap device including the panel assembly, wherein the tap device includes a valve with a valve cover, and the panel assembly includes a panel with a through hole, wherein the panel assembly further includes a positioning member passing through the through hole and can be secured to the panel, and the positioning member is movably plugged onto the valve cover in the axial direction of the valve cover.