Remote Control Unit With Detachable Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control units for sink drain valves often lack reliable closure due to the mechanism returning to its initial position, and maintenance is complex, requiring replacement of the entire unit when damaged, which is costly and inconvenient for retrofitting.

Innovation Solution

A remote control unit with a detachable locking mechanism that allows for easy maintenance and retrofitting, featuring a latching mechanism with defined locking positions and a flexible Bowden cable for improved reliability and ease of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a firmly connected switching device with a latching mechanism is integrated into the force transmission element, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates because the entire remote control unit must be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control unit is segmented into separate functional components: the force transmission element (Bowden cable) and the switching device with latching mechanism. This segmentation allows the switching device to be replaced independently without replacing the entire remote control unit, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the entire remote control unit is replaced when damaged, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time and cost increase due to complex and expensive replacement procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the remote control unit into replaceable components, particularly the switching device, the patent enables targeted replacement of only the defective part rather than the entire unit, significantly reducing replacement time and cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables selective discarding of only the defective switching device component while recovering and retaining the functional force transmission element (Bowden cable), reducing waste and replacement costs while ensuring reliability through replacement of the faulty component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed connection is used between the force transmission element and switching device, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for retrofitting applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability for retrofitting
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows the switching device to be detached and adapted to different force transmission elements or installation locations, providing retrofitting flexibility while maintaining structural stability through proper connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to work with different force transmission elements and installation configurations, enabling retrofitting applications while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2599925B1Remote control unit
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 FRANKE TECH & TRADEMARK LTD
  • EP2599925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2599925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2599925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control unit (1) for opening and closing a valve of a drain assembly (30) of a sink, in particular a kitchen sink, which has a force transmission element (6) and an operating element (2), wherein the force transmission element (6) transmits a pressure force exerted on the operating element (2) to the valve, wherein a locking mechanism (3) is arranged between the operating element (2) and the force transmission element (6), and wherein the locking mechanism (3) is detachably connected to the operating element (2) and the force transmission element (6). A further locking mechanism (3) for a remote control unit (1) is described.