Water Outlet Fitting with Segmented Spring for Automatic Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water outlet fittings do not ensure that the spray head automatically returns to its resting position after being moved out, resulting in instability and incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
A water outlet fitting featuring a casing element with a combination of straight and curved spring portions, where the curved spring portion acts as a compression spring, allowing for flexibility and enabling the spray head to automatically return to its resting position, which is maintained by the combined action of all spring portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple tension spring is used to surround the water feed pipe, then the spray head can be pulled out easily, but the spray head cannot automatically return to its resting position and remains unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The casing element is segmented into multiple spring portions (first spring portion, second spring portion, third spring portion) with different functions. The first and third portions provide tension to enable easy pulling, while the second curved portion provides compression to enable automatic return and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the casing element have different spring characteristics tailored to specific functions. The straight portions (first and third) have tension spring properties for ease of operation, while the curved portion (second) has compression spring properties for automatic return and positioning stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable water pipe with bent positions is used, then the spray head can be positioned in different locations, but the pipe cannot maintain a stable resting position and lacks automatic return capability
Solution Approach 1:
The casing element transitions from a static deformable pipe to a dynamic spring-based system. The spring portions allow the spray head to be pulled out and moved freely, then automatically return to a defined resting position, providing both versatility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring portions provide self-service by automatically returning the spray head to its resting position without user intervention. The elastic potential energy stored in the springs during extension automatically drives the return motion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a compression spring is used to ensure automatic return, then the spray head returns to resting position, but the freedom of movement and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The casing element is divided into multiple spring portions with different orientations and functions. The first and third straight portions allow axial extension for freedom of movement, while the second curved portion provides the compression spring action for automatic return perpendicular to the pipe axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring forces act in different dimensions. The tension springs (first and third portions) allow movement along the pipe axis, while the compression spring (second portion) acts perpendicular to the axis, creating a multi-dimensional force system that provides both freedom of movement and automatic return.
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
The solution provides a stable and automatic return of the spray head to its resting position, ensuring consistent functionality and ease of use with enhanced freedom of movement.
Implementation Method 1
the curved spring portion (10) of the casing element (8) acts on its outer face A in the manner of a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
Together with the two spring portions (9, 11) having a straight spring axis, the curved spring portion (10) of the casing part (8) ensures that the spray head (4) automatically returns into its resting position
Implementation Method 3
The casing element (8) is formed by a tension spring which is designed as a helical spring
Implementation Method 4
If the hand-held spray is returned back into the guide, the compression spring again relaxes to form a larger loop and thus pulls back the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The rinsing device comprises a flexible connecting pipe which at one end is connected to a connecting element which may be attached to a fitting and at the other end bears a spray head with an actuating lever. The spray head is held on a holder, which protrudes outwardly from the connecting element. The connecting pipe comprises a flexible water feed pipe which is surrounded by a casing element, which is formed by a single spiral tension spring consisting of one piece. Said spiral tension spring consists of a first upright spring portion having a straight spring axis, a second curved spring portion attached thereto and a third, similarly upright spring portion having a straight spring axis, which is attached to the second spring portion. A tube-shaped protective casing extends around the casing element which protects the casing element from soiling.