Security Adapter With Self-Locking Thread Prevents Unauthorized Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulators in shower systems can be easily removed by untrained users using hexagonal tools, violating regulations and leading to unauthorized changes in water flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A security adapter with an inner sleeve featuring a fastening thread and an outer sleeve with a movement thread, where the fastening thread has higher friction and a self-locking configuration, preventing unauthorized release by using a combination of thread types and a ring seal to ensure the connection remains secure and leakproof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow rate regulator is installed in the shower system, then water consumption is reduced and regulatory compliance is achieved, but the connection can be easily removed by untrained users using hexagonal tools
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into two separate sleeves: an inner sleeve that connects to the fluid line portion and an outer sleeve that provides the hexagonal interface. This segmentation prevents untrained users from accessing the connection between the inner sleeve and the fluid line, as the outer sleeve blocks access while maintaining regulatory compliance features
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the outer sleeve and the fluid line portion. It transfers torque from the outer sleeve to secure the connection to the fluid line, while its threaded engagement provides the necessary friction and self-locking to prevent unauthorized removal
2Ease of operation
If a secure connection is implemented to prevent unauthorized removal, then connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve is nested within the outer sleeve, with the inner sleeve's outer thread engaging the inner thread of the outer sleeve. This nested configuration provides a secure, multi-layered connection that prevents unauthorized removal while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening thread is designed with a considerably higher degree of friction compared to the movement thread, and can have a self-locking configuration. This parameter change in friction coefficient secures the connection against unauthorized removal while allowing controlled installation
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
The security adapter effectively secures the connection to fluid line portions, preventing unauthorized release and tampering, while allowing authorized access with a suitable tool, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a defined maximum water flow rate.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening thread has a considerably higher degree of friction compared to the movement thread and can also have a self-locking configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A security adapter, which is provided for connecting a first and a second fluid line portion of a fluid line. The security adapter has an inner sleeve, which at a first sleeve end region has a fastening thread provided for connection to a first fluid line portion and at a second sleeve end region has an outer thread in the form of a movement thread. The outer thread can be screwed together with an inner thread of an outer sleeve, wherein the sleeve inner circumference of the outer sleeve is provided with a stop, against which a counter stop arranged on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve bears, in a rotational end position of the security adapter such that the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are freely rotatable in relation to one another without engagement of the inner and outer thread forming the movement thread. In a screwed-in end position, the inner sleeve is screwed by way of its outer thread into the inner thread of the outer sleeve such that a stop surface on the inner sleeve bears against a counter stop surface on the outer sleeve.