Sanitary Fitting Spring Clamping Element for Water Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fittings face challenges in simply and securely connecting two water lines to the control cartridge, with existing methods either having limited holding power, significant assembly effort, or making dismantling difficult.
Innovation Solution
A single spring clamping element with a C-shaped cross-section is used to simultaneously fix and guide two water lines, eliminating the need for a separate guide bar and allowing easy assembly and disassembly by pressing into grooves with S-bent legs that slide easily into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single spring clamping element is used to fix two water lines simultaneously, then assembly effort is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but holding power may be insufficient compared to separate clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate clamping functions into a single spring clamping element that simultaneously secures both water lines. The clamping element has a U-shaped cross-section with two clamping legs that can engage with grooves on both water lines at the same time, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining secure holding power through the elastic force of the spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamping element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a clamping mechanism for securing water lines and as a guide element during assembly. The open end of the U-shaped cross-section allows the clamping element to be inserted over the water lines, guiding them into the correct position while the clamping legs simultaneously engage with the grooves to secure the connection.
2Strength
If water lines are fixed with strong frictional force using conical tension springs, then holding power is improved, but dismantling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamping element provides a dynamic clamping force that can be easily adjusted. The elastic nature of the spring allows the clamping legs to maintain constant pressure on the water lines for secure holding, while also allowing the water lines to be easily removed by overcoming the spring force, enabling simple dismantling and reassembly operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate guide bar is used to guide water pipes, then guidance precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guidance function and clamping function into a single integrated component. The U-shaped cross-section of the spring clamping element naturally guides the water lines into position as it is inserted, eliminating the need for a separate guide bar. The geometry of the clamping element itself provides the guidance feature during assembly.
4Strength
If multiple separate clamping elements are used for each water line, then holding power for each line is maximized, but assembly effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate clamping functions into a single spring clamping element that simultaneously secures both water lines. The clamping element has a U-shaped cross-section with two clamping legs that can engage with grooves on both water lines at the same time, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining secure holding power through the elastic force of the spring.
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
This solution enables a secure, space-efficient connection of water lines with reduced assembly effort and easy disassembly, using a modular plastic insert and support collar for added stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clamp element is elastic and can easily be pushed into a clamp receptacle of the connecting device. When pushed in, the spring clamp element presses into the grooves of the water pipes due to its clamping force and thus fixes the water pipes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The sanitary fitting e.g. single handle mixer (10), has a control cartridge (18) inserted in a receiving space (14) and comprising a connecting device (38) disposed over water passage openings for water pipes (36). The water pipes are inserted into corresponding pipe retainers (70) of the connecting device. A clamping element (50) is arranged between the parallel water pipes, and is engaged with corresponding grooves (76) of the water pipes. The clamping element is fixed in a clamp accommodator (48) of the connecting device, and holds the water pipes in the pipe retainers.