Tap Body Assembly Using Nested Hollow Parts for Stable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tap manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving stability and ease of assembly, particularly in aligning and securing tap body parts, which can result in instability and misalignment issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation of first and second hollow body parts with specific apertures and open ends, allowing for easy assembly by inserting the first body part into the second, creating a stable and symmetrical tap body with enhanced visibility for patterning and attachment of a spout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the tap body is made from a single cast or moulded block, then the structure is simple and stable, but the manufacturing complexity increases and assembly ease decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tap body is divided into multiple separate components (first body part, second body part, spout, valve assembly) that can be manufactured independently using simpler processes such as machining or forming, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the tap body is assembled from multiple parts, then the ease of assembly improves, but the stability and alignment between parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The first body part is inserted into the second body part, creating a nested configuration where components fit within one another. This nesting arrangement provides inherent alignment and positioning, improving structural stability while maintaining assembly ease through the straightforward insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly and spout act as intermediary elements that connect and secure the body parts together. These components provide additional anchoring points and structural reinforcement, ensuring stable alignment between the first and second body parts while facilitating assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tap body is made as a single piece, then the structural stability is high, but the ease of assembly and patterning simplification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpatterning simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the tap body into separate parts allows patterning to be applied to individual components rather than the entire structure. This makes the patterning process simpler and more flexible, as each part can be patterned independently using appropriate techniques, while the assembled structure maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Shape

If complex patterning is applied to the tap body, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By applying patterning to separate body parts rather than the entire tap body as a single piece, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each component can be patterned using appropriate techniques for that specific part, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired aesthetic appearance through the combined assembled structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3759383B1Method of manufacturing a tap body
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 GREG ROWE
  • EP3759383B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3759383B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3759383B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a tap body and a tapis disclosed together with a tap body and a tap made by the process. The present techniques may relate to domestic water taps or faucet. According to the method, first and second hollow body parts are made. The first body part comprises a first pair of apertures. The second body part comprises opposed open ends. The second body part also comprises at least one aperture between the opposed open ends. The method further comprises the steps of inserting the first body part into the at least one aperture on the second body part to make a tap outer body,and aligning the first pair of apertures of the first body part with the opposed open ends to define a channel through the tap outer body.