Side-Inlet Sillcock Layout for Direct Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sillcocks with rear-entry inlets require additional fittings for installation, leading to increased costs, maintenance complexity, and system downtime when servicing individual units in multi-sillcock systems, as shutting off the entire system is necessary for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sillcock design featuring one or more side inlets that allows direct mounting to a wall without additional fittings, enabling secure installation and independent shut-off of individual units within a common water source system, reducing the need for multiple fittings and allowing maintenance without shutting off the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rear-entry inlet sillcocks are used, then the inlet connection is simple, but additional fittings (elbow or tee) are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rear-entry inlet (single dimension) to side-entry inlet (adding lateral dimension), allowing direct wall mounting without additional fittings. The side inlet position enables the sillcock to connect directly to wall pipes at the same level, eliminating the need for elbow or tee fittings.
2Ease of manufacture
If rear-entry inlet sillcocks are used, then the inlet connection is straightforward, but the sillcock extends away from the wall creating hazards
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the inlet from the rear to the side, the sillcock can be mounted flush against the wall rather than extending outward. This dimensional change in inlet positioning allows the body to align with the wall surface, eliminating the protruding hazard while maintaining connection functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If rear-entry inlet sillcocks are used, then the inlet connection is simple, but mounting requires additional hardware and brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The side inlet configuration enables direct wall mounting where the inlet connects to pipes at the same level as the mounting surface. This eliminates the need for Unistruts, clamps, and brackets that are required when the inlet is at the rear, as the side inlet naturally positions the connection point at the wall surface.
4Device complexity
If single inlet sillcocks are used in a multi-sillcock system, then the individual sillcock is simple, but the entire system must be shut off for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The side inlet configuration enables individual sillcocks to be segmented from the system for independent maintenance. Each sillcock can be disconnected at its side inlet connection while other sillcocks remain connected and operational, allowing maintenance without shutting off the entire water system.
Data Source
AI summary
A sillcock with one or more side inlets, which allow the sillcock to be mounted directly to a wall or other structure without additional fittings such as an elbow or tee. The sillcock may include an integral stop to allow the sillcock to be shut off and serviced without shutting off the entire system. Multiple inlets allow the sillcock to be used in a system of sillcocks coupled or ganged together in a water system.