Two-Part Escutcheon Assembly for Compression Ferrule Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escutcheons face challenges when replacing compression valves, as the compression ferrule is difficult to remove without specialized tools, and using the old ferrule with a new valve can lead to leaks or void warranties, while installing a new escutcheon with a smaller diameter than the ferrule is complicated.

Innovation Solution

A two-part escutcheon design with a flexible polyethylene insert and a chrome-plated ABS plastic body, allowing the insert to be snap-fit into the body, providing flexibility and resilience to accommodate the pipe without needing to remove the compression ferrule, and enabling easy installation of a push-fit valve without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conventional escutcheon with a small opening is used to minimize the gap between the pipe and escutcheon, then the appearance is improved, but it becomes impossible to install over the compression ferrule without removing the ferrule first

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap between pipe and escutcheonVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The escutcheon is divided into two separate parts: an outer escutcheon body and an inner flexible insert. The insert can be installed independently over the compression ferrule first, then the outer body is attached to complete the assembly. This segmentation allows the opening to be small for aesthetic purposes while still accommodating the ferrule during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner insert is made from a flexible material that can change its dimensional parameters (expand and contract) to accommodate the compression ferrule during installation, then return to its original smaller dimensions to provide the desired aesthetic appearance with minimal gap around the pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If the compression ferrule is removed using a special puller tool, then it can be replaced with a new valve, but the installation becomes difficult and requires extra tools and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve replacementVSAvoidinstallation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The escutcheon is divided into two separate parts: an outer escutcheon body and an inner flexible insert. The insert can be installed independently over the compression ferrule first, then the outer body is attached to complete the assembly. This segmentation allows the opening to be small for aesthetic purposes while still accommodating the ferrule during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner insert is made from a flexible material that can change its dimensional parameters (expand and contract) to accommodate the compression ferrule during installation, then return to its original smaller dimensions to provide the desired aesthetic appearance with minimal gap around the pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the compression ferrule is left in place to simplify installation, then fewer tools are needed, but using the old ferrule with a new valve may result in leaks or void the warranty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation processVSAvoidseal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The escutcheon is divided into two separate parts: an outer escutcheon body and an inner flexible insert. The insert can be installed independently over the compression ferrule first, then the outer body is attached to complete the assembly. This segmentation allows the opening to be small for aesthetic purposes while still accommodating the ferrule during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner insert is made from a flexible material that can change its dimensional parameters (expand and contract) to accommodate the compression ferrule during installation, then return to its original smaller dimensions to provide the desired aesthetic appearance with minimal gap around the pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the installation of a new escutcheon with minimal gap and secure sealing, eliminating the need for tool-assisted ferrule removal and ensuring compatibility with push-fit valves, thus improving appearance and installation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The insert is constructed with a flexible material such as polyethylene that provides for the flexibility and resiliency required

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11143334B2Escutcheon

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 ACCOR TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An escutcheon mountable on a pipe having compression ferrule thereon, having a body with an annular body wall and an inner body sidewall portion defining a body opening, and an insert having an annular insert wall portion, an outer insert sidewall portion extending about the annular insert wall portion and sized to fit within the central body opening with the outer insert sidewall portion, and a plurality of inwardly extending members. The members being resiliently bendable between a first position with the inward free-end portions being in gripping contact with the pipe and a second position with the inward free-end portions defining a central insert opening sized to permit the insert to pass by the ferrule on the pipe as the escutcheon is pressed onto the pipe and then return to the first position.