Pivoting Faucet Spray Head for Wider Sink Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional faucet spray heads lack the ability to pivot freely, limiting the user's ability to direct the water stream efficiently across a sink, especially in crowded conditions.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting spray head mechanism that allows the spray head to pivot relative to the faucet about a single degree of freedom, enabling the user to direct the water stream to various angles without detaching the spray head from the faucet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spray head is made fixed and docked to the faucet, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot direct the water stream efficiently across the sink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to direct water streamVSAvoidpivoting mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray head is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic pivoting structure that can rotate about a vertical axis. The pivoting mechanism includes a rotary member with circumferential grooves that engage with pins on the faucet body, allowing controlled rotation while maintaining connection. This enables the spray head to be directed to different positions across the sink without detaching from the faucet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the spray head is made pullable for reaching areas, then the reachability is improved, but the user must continuously hold the spray head when not docked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereachability to sink areasVSAvoidtime to reposition spray head

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the user to physically pull and hold the spray head, the invention provides a pivoting mechanism that allows the spray head to rotate automatically or be easily directed to different positions. The spray head can pivot to reach areas across the sink while remaining connected to the faucet, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding and reducing repositioning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spray head pivots freely in multiple directions, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting position rangeVSAvoidspray head stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting mechanism provides controlled rotation about a vertical axis through engagement between circumferential grooves on the rotary member and pins on the faucet body. This design allows the spray head to pivot to various positions while maintaining stable connection, preventing uncontrolled movement in multiple directions. The mechanism balances flexibility with stability through its mechanical engagement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12297630B2Pivoting spray head faucet

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

A pivotable spray head for connection to a faucet for expelling water is described herein. The spray head includes a spray head top portion having an inlet to receive water from the faucet and a spray head bottom portion having an outlet to expel water. The spray head further includes a pivoting joint mechanism structured to pivot the spray head relative to the faucet about a pivot axis.