Pull-Out Hose Locking Mechanism for Force-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out faucet mechanisms with dual rolling wheels are complex and costly, and require continuous pulling force to prevent hose retraction, making them inconvenient for use.
Innovation Solution
A simple operation switch and pull-out device featuring a housing, slider, sliding pin, and positioning pin with resilient members, allowing for easy mounting and operation, and a pull-out control mechanism with rotating wheels and locking members to suspend and position hoses/cords without external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual rolling wheels are used for temporal positioning of the hose, then the positioning function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: a slider that moves vertically along guide rails, and a positioning pin that extends horizontally to engage with positioning holes in the hose. This segmentation replaces the complex dual rolling wheel mechanism with simpler, decoupled components that perform the same temporal positioning function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential positioning function is extracted from the complex dual rolling wheel mechanism and implemented through a simplified slider-positioning pin assembly. The slider moves to the desired position and the positioning pin extends to lock the hose temporarily, achieving the same function with minimal components.
2Reliability
If dual rolling wheels are used for temporal positioning of the hose, then the positioning function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into simple, manufacturable components: a slider block, positioning pin, guide rails, and positioning holes. Each component can be manufactured using basic machining processes, avoiding the complex tooling and assembly required for dual rolling wheel mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The slider, positioning pin, and guide rails are basic mechanical elements that are cheaper to manufacture and replace compared to precision rolling wheel assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If a weighting block is used to retract the hose, then the retraction function is achieved, but continuous pulling force is required to maintain hose position, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (spring) acts as a counterweight mechanism that balances the weight of the hose. When the hose is pulled out, the spring compresses and stores energy. When the positioning pin engages with the positioning hole, the spring force holds the hose at the desired position without requiring continuous user force, effectively counteracting the gravitational force on the hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides self-service by automatically maintaining the hose position through elastic force. Once the positioning pin engages with the positioning hole, the system self-regulates to hold the hose without requiring continuous external force from the user, making operation more convenient.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use mechanism for suspending and positioning hoses/cords, eliminating the need for continuous pulling force and reducing complexity, enhancing usability and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
A first resilient member is provided between the slider and the positioning pin, for biasing the positioning pin toward the end cap
Implementation Method 2
When the hose/cord is in a suspended condition, the guide sleeve is located within the sleeve, and the guide sleeve flange contacts or touches the positioning pin
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-out control mechanism includes a swing locking member comprising a swing member configured to swing; a first rotating wheel configured to rotate relative to the swing locking member; and a rotation locking member disposed on the first rotating wheel, the rotation locking member comprising an actuating member configured to actuate the swing member in response to a rotation of the first rotating wheel. The actuated swing member is configured to be locked or disengaged with the actuating member.