Tap Mounting Assembly for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching taps to plumbing fixtures like basins or baths are cumbersome due to space constraints, often requiring complex assemblies and additional parts, especially when maneuvering tools is difficult beneath the fixture.
Innovation Solution
A tap mounting assembly that utilizes a kidney-shaped base with guide pins and a fixing plate, allowing for installation from the exposed surface of the fixture, eliminating the need for tools by using existing connectors and minimizing additional components, thus simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tap mounting methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation complexity increases and tool maneuvering becomes difficult due to space constraints beneath the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by performing the securing operation from above the fixture rather than from beneath. The U-shaped clamp is positioned over the pipe on the accessible side, and the set screw is tightened from above, eliminating the need to maneuver tools in the confined space beneath the fixture while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the U-shaped clamp for positioning, the set screw for securing, and the washer for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and simplifies the overall installation process by enabling step-by-step assembly from the accessible side.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting assemblies with multiple components are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and securing functions into a single integrated U-shaped clamp component, eliminating the need for separate positioning elements. The set screw directly engages with the clamp to provide both positioning and securing actions, reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable connection.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods requiring tools beneath the fixture are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time increases due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting approach to secure the tap from above the fixture, the patent eliminates the time-consuming maneuvering of tools beneath the fixture. The entire securing operation can be performed from the accessible side, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure connection through the set screw mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tap mounting (11) for mounting a tap to a plumbing fixture (66), the plumbing fixture having a surface with an aperture (64). The tap mounting (11) comprises an over- surface mounting part (12), an under- surface mounting part (13) defining a threaded aperture (58), a threaded elongate member (40) and a second elongate member (28). In use the over-surface mounting part is above the surface of the plumbing fixture, the under-surface mounting part is below the surface of the plumbing fixture. The elongate members extend from the over-surface mounting part through the plumbing fixture aperture and the threaded elongate member passes through the threaded aperture of the under-surface mounting part. Rotation of the under-surface mounting part is prevented by the second elongate member. The threaded elongate member comprises an internal bore and is configured for connection to a hose. On installation of the tap mounting, the under-surface mounting part is arranged to be passed through the plumbing fixture aperture substantially without deformation, and the tap mounting is configured to enable it to be secured to the plumbing fixture by manipulation of the tap mounting substantially wholly at or above the surface of the plumbing fixture.