Rotatable Sanitary Adapter Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary outlet devices are cumbersome in production and construction, and the handling of locking elements is difficult due to their complex design, making it hard to exchange adapters conveniently without tools.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary outlet device with a rotatable adapter that can be easily switched between a fixing and releasing position by rotating less than 270°, eliminating the need for tools and reducing contamination zones, featuring a non-circular contour for detent release and a sealing lip for hygienic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element guided movably in the ring-shaped gap is used to prevent inward spring deflection, then the adapter can be locked securely, but the handling becomes much more difficult and the device becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is extracted from the complex movable guidance in the ring-shaped gap and repositioned to be operable at the outflow-side end of the adapter, simplifying the handling while maintaining locking security through the same detent projection and groove mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of guiding the locking element movably within the ring-shaped gap between adapter and spring arms, the solution inverts the approach by allowing the locking element to be operated from the outflow-side end, reversing the operational interface while preserving the locking function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movably held components are used to achieve locking and releasing functions, then the adapter can be securely fixed and released, but the production and construction become relatively cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and releasing functions are merged into a single rotational operation of the adapter. The non-circular contour integrates the detent projection engagement and release mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate actuation steps and reducing the number of independently movable components
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it defines the flow path, provides locking through detent engagement, enables releasing through rotational operation, and ensures hygienic sealing through the sealing lip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components
3Device complexity
If the locking element is operable only at the outflow-side end of the adapter, then the locking mechanism can be simplified, but the handling difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is given a non-circular contour with asymmetrical features including the detent projection position and the flattening region. This asymmetry enables the locking element to be operated at the outflow-side end while maintaining intuitive handling through the distinct geometric features that guide the rotational operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and tool-free adapter exchange, simplifies handling, and reduces contamination risks while maintaining a strong locking action, facilitating easy insertion and removal without additional actuation steps.
Implementation Method 1
the adapter has spring arms with externally situated detent projections which, in the fixing position, engage into an encircling detent groove on the sleeve inner circumference of the housing
Implementation Method 2
featuring a non-circular contour for detent release and a sealing lip for hygienic sealing
Data Source
AI summary
In the case of a sanitary outlet device (1), it is provided that a jet former receptacle (3) be formed on a housing (2), in which jet former receptacle an adapter (4) is removably inserted and arranged so as to be rotatable about its axis of rotation (6), wherein the adapter (4) can be rotated between a fixing position, in which the adapter (4) is secured against removal, and a releasing position, in which the adapter (4) is removable (cf. FIG. 1).