Pull-Out Tap Handle With Dual-Axis Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sanitary pull-out hose fittings lack ergonomic and efficient fluid-guiding functionality, and complex manufacturing processes, limiting user operation and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary pull-out hose fitting with a connection section projecting from the cylindrical handle section and a user-operated valve actuating element pivotable about two non-parallel axes, allowing for ergonomic one-handed operation of the mixing and shut-off valve, and featuring coaxial or laterally offset fluid guides for easy coupling and fluid guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the valve actuating element is arranged on the circumference of the handle section, then it can be operated with one hand, but the ergonomic feel and ease of operation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of valve operationVSAvoidpositioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve actuating element is moved from the circumferential position to the end face of the handle section, representing a dimensional relocation from lateral to terminal positioning. This allows the user to operate the valve with a natural gripping motion at the end of the handle, improving ergonomics while maintaining one-handed operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection section is located on the end face of the handle section, then fluid guidance is simplified, but the device becomes less versatile in terms of mounting configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmounting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet body is divided into distinct functional sections: the handle section for user interaction, the connection section for fluid coupling, and the spray head for water delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connection section can be positioned on the end face for manufacturing simplicity while the overall assembly maintains mounting versatility through the modular handle section design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple valve actuating elements are arranged on the handle section, then fine adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow adjustment precisionVSAvoidvalve control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve control functions (main shut-off, flow regulation, and spray pattern selection) are merged into a single integrated valve actuating element. This unified controller provides precise flow adjustment through its design features while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate actuators, maintaining ease of operation with one hand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the pull-out hose connection is made robust and leak-proof, then reliability is improved, but the ease of coupling and decoupling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the pull-out hose and the outlet body employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that transitions between two states: a loose state for easy coupling/decoupling operations, and a locked state for robust, leak-proof connection during use. This dynamic design allows the connection to adapt its characteristics based on the operational phase, providing both ease of operation and reliability as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3835915B1Sanitary tap with pull-out hose
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HANS GROHE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3835915B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3835915B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3835915B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

1. Sanitary pull-out hose fitting. 2.1. The invention relates to a sanitary pull-out hose fitting comprising a pull-out hose (1), a spout body (2) with a cylindrical handle section (3) that functions as a user interface and forms a water outlet opening on a first end face (4), a connection section (5) coupled to the pull-out hose, a mixing and shut-off valve arranged inside the handle section, and a user-operated valve actuation element (7) on the handle section that functions as a valve actuation user interface. 2.2.In the sanitary pull-out hose fitting according to the invention, the connection section (5) projects circumferentially from the handle section (3), and the valve actuating element (7) is pivotably arranged on one of the first opposite second end faces (8) of the handle section about two pivot axes (S1, S2), of which a first pivot axis (S1) has a principal directional component parallel to a cylindrical longitudinal axis (Lz) of the handle section and a second pivot axis (S2) has a principal directional component perpendicular to the cylindrical longitudinal axis of the handle section. 2.3. Use e.g. as a sanitary pull-out hose fitting for kitchen sinks.