Tap Anti-Rotation Fastening for Secure Work Surface Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tap installations face issues with rotational unsecurity due to loosening of nuts or wear on the work surface, leading to free rotation of taps, which can be caused by repeated use or vandalism, even affecting automatic taps.

Innovation Solution

A device with an engagement formation and attachment means that irrotatably secures the tap to the work surface, using screws to create a depression in the tap and fastening to the surface, preventing rotation and potentially replacing the nut to secure both rotationally and axially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a nut is used to secure the tap to the work surface, then the tap can be easily installed and removed, but the tap becomes rotationally unsecured over time due to loosening or wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidrotational security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is divided into two independent parts: the original nut for axial retention and a separate anti-rotation device with fastening means for rotational security. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability without compromising ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-rotation device acts as an intermediary component between the tap and work surface, providing an additional securing mechanism. It includes an engagement formation that interfaces with the tap and fastening means that interfaces with the work surface, mediating the connection to prevent rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the nut is tightened to prevent rotation, then rotational security is improved, but the work surface may be damaged or the tap may become difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational securityVSAvoiddamage to work surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-rotation device uses fastening means (screws or adhesives) that can be easily applied and removed without permanently damaging the work surface. These fastening elements are designed to be replaceable and cause minimal harm compared to overtightening a nut.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a more complex securing mechanism is used to prevent rotation, then rotational security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational securityVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-rotation device is designed to be universally applicable to different tap types and work surfaces. The engagement formation can accommodate various tap geometries, and the fastening means can be selected based on the work surface material, making the solution multi-functional without increasing inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device structure allows for self-alignment and self-securing to some extent. The engagement formation naturally interfaces with the tap body, and the fastening means can be applied without complex alignment procedures, reducing the operational complexity despite the added security function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively prevents tap rotation by attaching irrotatably to the work surface, ensuring the tap remains secure and resistant to vandalism, while maintaining the structural integrity of the tap and work surface.

Implementation Method 1

using screws to create a depression in the tap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The compressive force between the abutment portion 2 and the nut 5, combined with the friction between the nut 5 and the rough lower surface of the work surface 1, holds the tap 3 in its place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The compressive force between the abutment portion 2 and the nut 5

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11585074B2Device for resisting rotation of a tap

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TAPLOK LTD

AI summary

A device for resisting rotation of a tap fitted to a work surface comprises a body; an engagement formation for engaging with a part of the tap; and an attachment means for irrotatably attaching the device to the tap. The device further comprises fastening means for irrotatably fastening the device to a work surface.