Pull-Out Mixing Tap Hose for Separate Boiling Water Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing taps with pull-out nozzles do not efficiently dispense very hot or boiling water without mixing it with cold water, and lack a mechanism to automatically return the hose to a normal position, which can lead to space inefficiencies and complexity in the tap body.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flexible hose having a second water conduit for the water source, a ballast element to manage the hose's position, and an electrical operating element to control the water source valve, allowing separate dispensing of mixed and source water types, and a position sensor to ensure proper hose positioning for safe boiling water dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pull-out nozzle is added to extend water reach, then the ability to reach corners of the sink is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the flexible hose mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into a spout part extending from the spout and a loop part forming a reservoir, with a ballast element positioned at the transition. This segmentation allows the heavy ballast to be located at the optimal position for automatic return while maintaining the flexibility and reach extension functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If very hot or boiling water is dispensed through the existing hose system, then the ability to provide hot water is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to risk of mixing with cold water in the hose
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast element is positioned in advance at the transition between spout and loop parts, creating a thermal barrier before hot water enters the loop reservoir. This preliminary positioning prevents hot water from mixing with cold water in the loop part, ensuring safety before dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast element acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the hot water source and the loop part of the hose. Its position at the transition point prevents direct contact between hot water and the cooler loop section, eliminating the mixing hazard.
3Ease of operation
If the hose is kept in a pulled-out position for extended use, then the usability is improved, but the space efficiency deteriorates due to hose occupying space under the sink
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast element provides a downward gravitational force that counteracts the user's pulling force on the nozzle. When the user releases the hose, the ballast automatically pulls the hose back to its retracted position, eliminating the need for manual retrieval and ensuring space efficiency when not in use.
4Ease of operation
If a ballast element is added to automatically return the hose, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast element provides self-service automatic return functionality without requiring any additional actuators, motors, or control systems. The gravitational force on the ballast automatically performs the hose retraction task, simplifying the overall system despite the added component.
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
Enables the safe dispensing of very hot or boiling water without mixing it with cold water and automatically returns the hose to a normal position, simplifying the tap design and enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the hose is provided with a ballast element for pulling the hose with nozzle to the normal position and/or keeping the hose with nozzle in the normal position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a mixing tap for dispensing water, comprising: a tap body having a fitting end for fitting the tap body in or on a fitting opening, an spout fitted in or on the tap body and provided with a dispensing end, a mixing device arranged in the tap body, in which the mixing device comprises a first inlet for cold water, a second inlet for hot water and an outlet for mixed water, and an at least partly flexible hose, in which the flexible hose comprises a first water conduit with an inflow end and an outflow end, in which the inflow end is connected to the outlet and in which the outflow end ends in a nozzle provided near the dispensing end of the spout for dispensing the mixed water, wherein the mixing tap has an accommodation duct which runs from the fitting end to the dispensing end for receiving at least a portion of the hose, wherein the hose with nozzle is displaceable with respect to the spout between a pulled- out position, in which the hose protrudes with respect to the dispensing end, and a normal position, in which the hose does not extend with respect to the dispensing end or to a lesser degree, wherein the hose has a second water conduit with a second inflow end and a second outflow end, in which the second inflow end is connected to a connection for connecting a water supply conduit coming from a water source, and the second outflow end ends in the nozzle.