Quick Release Spray Head Adapter to Prevent Cross-Threading Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing plastic spray heads in beverage brewing apparatuses are prone to damage due to cross-threading when attached and detached from metal-threaded valves, leading to potential damage over time as users routinely clean and reattach the plastic components.
Innovation Solution
A quick release adapter with metallic construction is threaded onto the valve, allowing the spray head to be removably attached via ears or tabs, eliminating the need for direct threading onto the valve and reducing the risk of cross-threading, and is optionally secured with adhesive for a permanent fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic spray heads are directly threaded onto metal valves for attachment, then the spray head can be securely attached to the valve, but cross-threading damage occurs to the plastic threads over time
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded adapter component is introduced as an intermediary element between the plastic spray head and the metal valve. The adapter features metal threads that engage with the valve and a body that receives the spray head, thereby preventing direct contact between the plastic spray head threads and the metal valve threads. This intermediary structure eliminates cross-threading damage while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If plastic spray heads are routinely detached and reattached for cleaning, then maintenance is enabled, but thread damage accumulates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adapter serves as a reusable intermediary that remains attached to the valve while the spray head is detached for cleaning. This allows routine maintenance without repeatedly stressing the spray head threads, as the adapter's metal threads bear the engagement stress during attachment and detachment operations.
3Strength
If a threaded connection is used between spray head and valve, then secure attachment is achieved, but cross-threading risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator that absorbs the threading interaction. The metal threads on the adapter engage with the valve threads in a controlled manner, preventing misalignment and cross-threading. The spray head then attaches to the adapter body without threading, eliminating the harmful cross-threading effect while preserving secure connection.
4Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used for spray head, then cost and moldability are improved, but thread damage susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adapter is manufactured from metal or other durable materials that are resistant to thread damage. This adapter intermediary allows the spray head to remain made from cost-effective plastic material while the thread engagement function is transferred to the more durable adapter component, which can withstand repeated attachment and detachment cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray head assembly for use with a beverage brewer includes a spray head and an adapter. The spray head includes a back plate having a turn mechanism. The adapter includes a body having an outer portion and a threaded inner portion. The body has an opening through the threaded inner portion that is attachable to a valve of the beverage maker. The outer portion of the body includes ears attachable to the backer plate of the spray head through the turn mechanism.