Telescopic Connecting Device for Sanitary Fitting Depth Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concealed sanitary fitting installations face challenges with installation depth fluctuations, requiring additional components or modifications to ensure proper torque transfer and alignment, increasing installation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a spring force along the rotational axis that automatically adjusts to maximum length for initial mounting, allowing for tool-free length adjustment and torque transmission via a gearing connection, with features like fixed abutment members and a locking mechanism to prevent damage and set a standard position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-length connecting device is used to connect the handle to the operating unit, then the connection is simple, but installation depth fluctuations require additional components or modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device employs a telescopic shaft with multiple sections that can extend and retract axially, transforming from a static fixed-length connection to a dynamic adjustable-length connection. This allows the device to automatically adapt to different installation depths without requiring additional components or wall modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device changes its length parameter through axial extension or retraction of the telescopic shaft sections. This parameter change enables the device to compensate for installation depth variations, maintaining proper connection between the handle and operating unit across different installation scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic connecting device is used to compensate installation depth fluctuations, then adaptability improves, but the device requires manual adjustment and tool intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically extends the telescopic shaft to its maximum length during installation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or special tools. The connecting device serves itself by using the spring force to achieve proper extension, allowing installers to simply attach the handle without additional steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to exert extending force on the telescopic shaft before the handle is attached. This preliminary action ensures the shaft is already at the correct length when the handle is mounted, streamlining the installation process and eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting device can be adjusted to any length, then installation flexibility improves, but axial misalignment and overload may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force acts in advance to maintain the telescopic shaft in an extended state, preventing axial misalignment between the handle and operating unit. This preliminary counter-action ensures proper alignment is maintained throughout the operation, preventing damage from misalignment before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides a cushioning force that absorbs axial shocks and misalignments during installation and operation. This beforehand cushioning protects the gear connection and other precision components from overload damage by absorbing excessive forces before they can cause harm.
4Reliability
If additional components like bushings are used to handle installation depth issues, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic shaft with spring mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides length adjustment, maintains axial alignment, and protects against overload. This merging eliminates the need for separate bushings, washers, or other additional components that would otherwise be required to handle installation depth variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic connecting device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it compensates for installation depth fluctuations, maintains proper axial alignment, protects components from overload, and provides a stable gear connection. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall assembly.
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
Simplifies the installation process by automatically adjusting to varying installation depths without additional components, ensuring reliable torque transfer and preventing damage from overload, while maintaining alignment and setting a preferred angular position.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting device is forced into its maximal length by a spring force acting along the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
For example, a helical spring may extend parallel to the rotational axis and produce the axial force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The disclosure provides an operating assembly (10) for operating a diverter valve or another operating unit of a concealed sanitary fitting for a controlled release of water. The operating assembly (10) has a rosette (12) configured to be fixed to a wall so that it covers the operating unit, a rotary handle (20) for manually actuating the operating unit and a connecting device (40) which interlockingly connects the rotary handle (20) to the operating unit and which defines a rotational axis (41). In order to compensate installation depth fluctuations of the concealed sanitary fitting, the connecting device has a length along the rotational axis (41) that, according to the invention, can be varied by exerting a force on the connecting device (40) acting along the rotational axis (41).