Push-To-Release Wall Socket for Flush Water And Gas Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall infrastructure does not accommodate removable connections for water or gas consumers, unlike electrical sockets, which requires rigid fixation of appliances to supply sources, necessitating invasive installations and removals.
Innovation Solution
A wall socket design featuring a pipes-joint assembly with push-to-release pipe-joints and a panel system that allows for the parallel placement of pipes, enabling quick and tool-free connection and disconnection of water or gas pipes without protruding from the wall, mimicking the functionality of electrical sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water or gas supply sources are rigidly fixed to the wall, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the installation and removal of appliances becomes complex and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two separate components: a fixed female connector integrated into the wall socket and a movable male connector on the appliance. This segmentation allows the wall side to remain stable and fixed while the appliance side can be easily connected and disconnected, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic removable connection. The male connector can be inserted into and removed from the female connector, providing both stability when connected and ease of operation when needing to change appliances. The push-to-release mechanism enables quick connection and disconnection without tools.
2Ease of operation
If electrical sockets are spread all over the walls, then accessibility is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and wall integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female connectors are designed to nest within each other when connected, with the male connector inserting into the female connector. This nesting arrangement allows the connection components to be housed within the wall socket structure, maintaining a flush appearance with the wall surface while providing accessible connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is designed to extend perpendicular to the wall surface, allowing connection access from the front face of the wall rather than requiring holes or protrusions. The male connector inserts from the front, and the right-angled bending of the pipe allows it to turn parallel to the panel, maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Productivity
If push-to-release pipe-joints are used, then connection speed is improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism is pre-loaded to maintain constant engagement force on the pipe, creating a preliminary counter-action that prevents accidental disconnection. The spring continuously pushes the pipe into the joint, opposing any forces that might try to pull the pipe out, thus maintaining reliable connection while allowing intentional quick release when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall socket, including a pipes-joint assembly including an outlet push-to-release pipe-joint, an inlet push-to-release pipe-joint, and piping for communicating therebetween, the piping including a right angled bending extending from the outlet push-to-release pipe-joint, and a pipe for extending from the right angled bending to the inlet push-to-release pipe-joint, and a panel, for connecting the pipes-joint assembly thereto, and for disposing the pipe of the pipes-joint assembly parallel to the panel.