Segmented Faucet Spout Articulation for Position-Activated Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional faucets rely on handles or sensors to control water flow, which may not efficiently adapt to changing user needs or spatial configurations, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulable faucet with a base and a spout comprising multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other and the base, allowing the spout to change shape between a cylindrical and an inverted J-shape, enabling flexible positioning and water flow control through a valve system operated by an electro-mechanical actuator or water flow force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional faucets use handles or sensors to control water flow, then the control mechanism is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to changing user needs and spatial configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into multiple segments that can articulate independently relative to each other and the base. This segmentation allows the spout to change its shape and position dynamically, providing adaptability to different user needs and spatial configurations without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the spout segments can rotate and articulate. This dynamic capability enables the faucet to adapt its configuration in real-time based on user needs, while the articulation mechanism is designed to be relatively simple, avoiding excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the spout is made articulable with multiple rotating segments, then the flexibility and positioning capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into multiple segments that can articulate independently relative to each other and the base. This segmentation allows the spout to change its shape and position dynamically, providing adaptability to different user needs and spatial configurations without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism uses nested rotational joints where segments rotate relative to each other in a hierarchical manner. The first segment rotates relative to the base, the second segment rotates relative to the first segment, and so on. This nested structure achieves complex positioning capability while keeping each individual joint relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet having a base, an articulable spout, and a valve operable in an open position and a closed position to control the flow of water to the outlet. The base is configured to mount to a support. The spout includes an outlet for dispensing water and a plurality of segments operatively coupled together sequentially, with a first segment of the plurality of segments rotatably coupled to the base. The plurality of segments are rotatable relative to one another and to the base to move the outlet between a first position, in which the valve is in the closed position, and a second position, in which the valve is in the open position.