Railing-Mounted Watering Assembly for Non-Damaging Water Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for simpler methods and apparatus to provide a water outlet on or near structures like decks or balconies without marring the surface, allowing for convenient installation and removal of a water outlet system that can withstand above-freezing environments.
Innovation Solution
A mountable watering assembly that can be detachably coupled to railing systems, featuring a solid mounting base for standard garden hoses, multi-manifold configurations, and electronic valve controls, allowing for flexible installation on various surfaces and environments, including wooden, metal, or plastic decks, with options for quick disconnect couplings and built-in shut-off valves for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water outlet is permanently installed on a deck or balcony structure, then water access is reliable and constant, but the structure surface is marred and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The watering assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting base that attaches to the railing system, a column member containing the water conduit, and a cap. This segmentation allows the water outlet function to be added without permanently modifying the deck surface, as the assembly attaches to the railing structure instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The railing system serves as an intermediary structure that supports the watering assembly without requiring direct attachment to the deck surface. The mounting base couples to the railing, which then supports the column member containing the water outlet, thereby avoiding direct contact with and potential damage to the deck surface.
2Reliability
If a water outlet system is permanently fixed to a structure, then water delivery is stable and pressurized, but installation complexity and structural modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The watering assembly is designed to be detachable and reconfigurable rather than permanently fixed. The mounting base can be removed and reattached, and the column member can be detached from the mounting base, allowing for flexible installation and removal without permanent structural modifications while maintaining stable water delivery when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate different railing configurations. The threaded connection system and various mounting options allow the same assembly to be installed on different deck railing systems without requiring custom fabrication or complex installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a mountable watering assembly is detachably coupled to a railing system, then installation is simple and non-intrusive, but connection stability and water pressure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base includes pre-configured threaded connections and mounting holes that are prepared in advance for easy attachment to the railing system. The water conduit is pre-installed within the column member, so that when the assembly is put together, the connections are immediately secure and ready for use without requiring additional field modifications or complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A mountable watering assembly may include a main column member, base, front bracket, spacer bracket, fasteners, a capping assembly, and a back bracket. One or more adjustable spacers may be disposed between the front bracket and the spacer bracket. A tap and a hose may be coupled to the main column member or to a hose assembly disposed within the main column member. The mountable watering assembly may be mounted on a railing system. One or more panels may be coupled to the main column member.