Push-Knob Faucet Damper Layout for Adjustable Closing Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faucets with push-knob actuators have limited adjustability for return timing due to variable pressure and temperature conditions, and their timing control mechanisms are prone to mineral deposits and corrosion from water flow.
Innovation Solution
A faucet design incorporating a push knob, a cartridge with a piston and seal system, and a linear damper to control piston movement and adjust the faucet's closing timing, while isolating the damper from the water path to prevent contamination and facilitate replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-knob actuator is used to control faucet closing, then the faucet can be operated simply, but the return timing cannot be adjusted and is affected by variable pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear damper that allows dynamic adjustment of the piston's return speed and timing. The damper's adjustable characteristics enable the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining simple push-knob operation. The piston's movement is controlled by the damper's resistance, which can be modified to change return timing without complicating the user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing control implements are exposed to water flow for adjustment, then timing can be controlled, but the mechanisms are subject to mineral deposits and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The linear damper is extracted from the water path and positioned in a dry environment within the faucet body. The piston moves within the cartridge cavity, and the damper is mounted to the body in a location not exposed to flowing water. This separation protects the timing control mechanism from mineral deposits and corrosion while maintaining full timing adjustability through the damper's adjustable characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the damper is mounted within the water path for timing control, then timing can be adjusted, but the damper becomes contaminated and difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The linear damper is extracted from the water path and repositioned in a dry, accessible location within the faucet body. The damper is mounted to the body with its plunger engaging the piston, but the entire assembly is positioned outside the water flow path. This allows the damper to be easily accessed and replaced by removing the cartridge, without requiring disassembly of major faucet components or exposure to contaminated water.
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 faucet achieves improved adjustability and reliability in controlling the return timing of the push knob, while maintaining a clean water path and allowing for easy damper replacement or adjustment without disassembling major components.
Implementation Method 1
a linear damper, mounted to the forward end of the body, wherein the linear damper engages the piston to dampen movement of the piston from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
the piston is movable by a spring from the second position to the first position, to position the lip against the aft seal seat and close the faucet
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet having a body extending from forward to aft ends to define a body cavity, the body includes an aft wall having faucet inlet ports, and a faucet outlet between the forward and aft ends; a push knob coupled to the body forward end; a cartridge fixed within the body cavity, the cartridge has a cartridge cavity with an aft seal seat, a cartridge outlet port forward of the aft seal seat, and a cartridge inlet port aft of the aft seal seat; a piston within the cartridge cavity, defining an aft seal lip: the piston is movable by the push knob from first to second positions, to move the lip and open the faucet; and the piston moves from the second to the first positions, to position the lip against the aft seal seat and close the faucet; and a linear damper, mounted to the body forward end.