Wet-Area Device Surface Unevenness Control for Gloss and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal wet-area devices, such as faucets, face issues with excessive glossy appearance and grime adhesion due to uneven surface matting techniques like shot blasting, which can result in overly deep unevenness making water removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A wet-area device with a metal main part and a first layer featuring specific unevenness patterns, where the average height of the main part unevenness is less than its average length, and the first layer's unevenness is arranged along the main part's, to achieve a balanced glossy and matte appearance while preventing grime adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If shot blasting is performed to matte the outer surface, then the glossy appearance is suppressed, but the height of the unevenness becomes too large causing water retention and grime adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of surface unevenness by controlling the average height to be less than the average length, transforming the shot blasting process from creating deep irregularities to creating shallow, extended undulations that matte the surface without trapping water and grime
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by creating unevenness that is sufficient to matte the glossy appearance but controlled in height to avoid excessive depth that would cause water retention, achieving the minimum necessary effect without over-processing
2Illumination intensity
If shot blasting is performed to matte the outer surface, then the glossy appearance is suppressed, but water removal becomes difficult due to deep unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of surface unevenness by ensuring average height is less than average length, creating a surface profile that allows water to flow off easily while still achieving the desired matting effect
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by creating just enough unevenness to suppress glossiness but controlling the magnitude to prevent excessive depth that would hinder water removal, achieving effective matting without over-processing
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 effectively mats the surface to prevent excessive glossiness and grime adhesion, maintaining a moderate appearance and ensuring effective water drainage by controlling the height and ratio of unevenness.
Implementation Method 1
The first unevenness is arranged along the main part unevenness... mats the surface to prevent excessive glossiness
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wet-area device includes a main part and a first layer. The first layer is provided on an outer surface of the main part. The main part includes a main part unevenness at a side of the outer surface of the main part. The main part unevenness includes a plurality of main part recesses and a plurality of main part protrusions. The first layer includes a first unevenness at a side of an outer surface of the first layer. The first unevenness includes a plurality of first recesses and a plurality of first protrusions. The first unevenness is arranged along the main part unevenness. An average height of the main part unevenness is less than an average length of the main part unevenness.