Retractable Sanitary Fitting Water Outlet Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary fittings protrude from mounting surfaces, limiting user movement and space efficiency, while also lacking an aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary fitting with a water outlet segment that can be moved between a retracted 'stand-by' position and an active position, using a water release device with a position sensor and electrically actuated valve to control water release based on the segment's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sanitary fitting protrudes from the mounting surface to dispense water, then the water dispensing function is fulfilled, but the user's movement space near the sanitary installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet segment is made movable between a retracted first position and an extended second position, allowing it to dynamically adjust its spatial occupation. When not in use, the segment is retracted to maximize user movement space; when needed, it extends to provide water dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The water outlet segment can be nested within or retracted into the main body of the sanitary fitting when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the outlet to occupy minimal space during storage while still providing full functionality when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the water outlet segment is always extended to allow water release, then water dispensing is always possible, but the visual appearance becomes cluttered and less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet segment transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic system that can switch between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to present a clean, uncluttered appearance when water dispensing is not needed, while remaining fully functional when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The water outlet segment is extracted as a separate movable component from the main body, allowing it to be independently positioned. This extraction enables the outlet to be hidden or retracted into the main body, creating a sleek appearance, while still being accessible when water dispensing is needed.
3Area of stationary object
If the water outlet segment is retracted to improve aesthetics and save space, then visual appearance and space efficiency improve, but accidental water release cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
A position detection mechanism provides feedback about the water outlet segment's position (retracted or extended). This feedback is used by the control system to automatically control the valve, ensuring water can only be released when the segment is in the correct extended position, thereby preventing accidental water release.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical linkage between the outlet segment position and water release control is replaced with an automated system using position sensors and electronic control of the valve. This substitution enables intelligent, automatic prevention of accidental water release based on detected segment position.
4Reliability
If a position sensor and electrically actuated valve are added to control water release, then accidental water release is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical linkages and manual valves are replaced with simpler electronic components: a position sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or potentiometer) and an electrically actuated valve. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving control reliability and enabling automated safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors the water outlet segment's position and independently controls the valve without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically preventing water release when the segment is retracted and enabling it when extended, simplifying the user interface while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sanitary fitting (10) for dispensing water, comprising a main body (12), a base portion (16) configured to be non-rotatably mounted to a stationary object of a sanitary installation, and a water outlet segment (14) to eject water from the sanitary fitting. The water outlet segment (14) is displaceable between at least two positions with respect to the base portion (16). The sanitary fitting (10) further comprises a water release device comprising a valve (38) for allowing or disallowing the release of water from the water outlet segment (14). The water release device is configured to disallow the release of water from the water outlet segment (14) when the water outlet segment is in a first position and to allow the release of water from the water outlet segment (14) when the water outlet segment is in a second position.