Top-Mounted RO Faucet Assembly with Toggle Bolt and Air Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis (RO) faucet assemblies require complex installation processes, often necessitating both above and below counter securing methods, which increases labor and complexity, and lack efficient air gap designs that are quiet and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A top-mounted faucet assembly with an integrated air gap feature, utilizing a toggle bolt for secure above-counter mounting and an air gap holder with sloping sidewalls to prevent backflow and reduce noise, along with a permeate water inlet port with annular ribs for secure sealing without additional sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used requiring components from both above and below countertop, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation complexity and labor time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a mounting plate portion that remains on the countertop and a toggle bolt portion that passes through the countertop. This segmentation allows the faucet assembly to be mounted from above the countertop only, eliminating the need for someone to work from below the countertop while still achieving secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where fasteners are installed from both sides of the countertop, this invention inverts the approach by using a toggle bolt that is inserted from above the countertop, opens within the mounting plate, and secures the faucet assembly entirely from the upper side.
2Reliability
If air gap is provided to prevent backflow, then contamination is prevented, but noise during water drainage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle is introduced as an intermediary element within the air gap assembly. This baffle intercepts the flow of concentrate water, causing it to redirect and drain more quietly into the waste water line while maintaining the air gap's backflow prevention function. The baffle mediates between the need for backflow prevention and noise reduction.
3Reliability
If tube connections are made secure to prevent leaks, then reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection reliability is achieved through parameter changes in the geometry of the air gap holder, specifically incorporating sloping sidewalls and annular ribs. These geometric parameters create friction and mechanical interlocking that secure tube connections and prevent leaks, while the design remains simple to manufacture and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet assembly includes a base having first and second ends, a sidewall extending between the ends, a mounting bore extending from the first end, a permeate water spout port extending from the second end, and a valve assembly bore extending from the sidewall and connecting the mounting bore and the permeate water spout port. A fastener is located within the mounting bore and extends out of the base from the mounting bore for securing the faucet assembly to a mounting surface, and a valve member is positioned within the valve assembly bore and movable between closed and opened positions. The valve member allows tool access from the permeate water spout port, through the valve member, and to the fastener in the mounting bore when the valve member is moved to a predetermined position. This arrangement allows top-mounting of the faucet assembly using a toggle bolt.