Water Sprinkler Snap-Fit Base for Simplified Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a water sprinkler that is less complicated to manufacture, as existing designs can be cumbersome and require complex fluid connections and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A water sprinkler design featuring a base with snap-fit connections for the timer mechanism and motor, allowing for a simplified manufacturing process and secure fluid-tight connections, where the timer mechanism and motor are snap-fitted to the base, and fluidly connected to form a fluid-tight coupling with each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid connections and assembly processes are used, then secure fluid-tight connections are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid connection function and mechanical retention function into a single integrated coupling structure. The coupling component includes both fluid passage and retention features, eliminating the need for separate fluid connections and mechanical fasteners, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining fluid-tight reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid-tight connection, mechanical retention through snap-fit engagement, and alignment guidance. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable fluid connection
2Ease of operation
If snap-fit connections are used for timer mechanism and motor, then assembly ease is improved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is divided into multiple engagement points distributed around the coupling interface. Multiple snap-fit engagement points share the mechanical load, providing both ease of assembly through uniform force distribution and sufficient connection strength through cumulative engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling component utilizes composite structural design combining rigid retention features with flexible sealing elements. This composite approach allows the rigid snap-fit features to provide easy assembly while the flexible sealing elements maintain strong, reliable fluid-tight connections
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and assembly of the water sprinkler, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for distributing water while reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is movable and is movable in response to water pressure
Implementation Method 2
the timer mechanism includes a timer retention structure configured to cooperate with the first base retention structure to create a first snap-fit connection between the timer mechanism and the base
Implementation Method 3
The flow of the water supply provided to a rotary and an oscillating sprinkler is used to drive a water motor which moves the water distributor
Data Source
AI summary
A water sprinkler includes a base, a timer mechanism having a timer inlet and a timer outlet, the timer mechanism being configured to operate in (i) a first mode in which fluid is allowed to pass between the timer inlet and the timer outlet, and (ii) a second mode in which fluid is prevented from passing between the timer inlet and the timer outlet, a motor having a motor inlet, a motor outlet, and a drive member, the motor configured to move the drive member in response to fluid passing from the motor inlet to the motor outlet, and a spray member coupled to the motor outlet, the spray member configured to move in response to movement of the drive member, wherein the base includes a first base retention structure and a second base retention structure.