Sanitary Fitting Offset Pivot Axis Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fittings have design limitations that result in a less than visually appealing control element, requiring compromises such as beveling or overlapping with the faucet body, which restricts design freedom and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary fitting design featuring a link element with slots guiding a rod connected to the operating and adjusting levers, allowing the operating element to pivot without protruding beyond the faucet body, with pivot axes aligned to prevent overlap and enable a sleeker, more attractive appearance, and incorporating a slewing ring for temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating element is rigidly connected to the adjusting lever and pivoted about the adjusting lever pivot axis, then the operating element can be actuated, but the operating element must be positioned at a distance from or overlap the fitting body, compromising aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A link element with an offset pivot axis serves as an intermediary between the operating element and the adjusting lever. This link element translates the pivoting motion of the operating element into rotational motion of the adjusting lever, allowing the operating element to be positioned closer to or overlapping the fitting body without interfering with its actuation, thereby improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining ease of operation.
2Shape
If the operating element is positioned closer to the fitting body to improve appearance, then aesthetic appearance is enhanced, but the operating element cannot be properly pivoted without interference
Solution Approach 1:
The link element with offset pivot axis acts as a mediator that decouples the spatial positioning of the operating element from the pivot axis location. It transfers motion from the operating element's pivot point to the adjusting lever's pivot point, enabling close positioning or overlapping for aesthetic purposes while ensuring proper pivoting functionality through the mechanical linkage.
3Device complexity
If the operating element pivot axis is aligned with the adjusting lever pivot axis, then the mechanism is simple, but the operating element must overlap or be distant from the fitting body
Solution Approach 1:
The link element is designed with an asymmetric offset pivot axis relative to both the operating element and the adjusting lever. This asymmetric configuration allows the operating element to be positioned with greater design freedom (closer to or overlapping the fitting body) while the link element's geometry ensures proper motion transmission, resolving the conflict between mechanism simplicity and design freedom.
4Ease of operation
If the operating element edges are beveled or screened to prevent contact with the fitting body, then functional requirements are met, but visual appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The link element with offset pivot axis serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows the operating element to maintain a sleek, unbeveled design with minimal or no overlap with the fitting body. The link element absorbs the geometric constraints, enabling the operating element to have clean edges and superior visual appeal while still fulfilling all functional requirements through the linkage mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sanitary fitting (1) with a fitting body (2) and with a mixing cartridge (4) arranged in the fitting body (2) and connectable at its base to a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, and having a mixed water outlet connected to a fitting spout (3), wherein an operating element (5) for adjusting the quantity and temperature of the mixed water to be produced in the mixing cartridge (4) is arranged on the fitting body (2), which is coupled to an actuating lever (6) arranged on the mixing cartridge (4), with which the flow rate can be adjusted by pivoting about an actuating lever pivot axis (7) and the mixing ratio of the incoming cold and hot water can be adjusted by rotating about a central axis (8), wherein a cam element (9) is designed and arranged between the operating element (5) and the actuating lever (6) of the mixing cartridge (4) such thatthat the pivoting of the control element (5) about a control element pivot axis (10) is converted into the pivoting of the actuating lever (6) about the actuating lever pivot axis (7), wherein the control element pivot axis (10) is offset parallel to the actuating lever pivot axis (7).