The misinterpretation of the drinking fountain button is a heartrending matter.

In today’s digital age, it often feels like hardware has taken a back seat to the software that drives our devices. However, there is one piece of hardware that remains elegant and reliable – the drinking fountain button. While it may not seem magical like other buttons, it is a testament to mechanical engineering and simplicity.

When you press the button on a drinking fountain, you are not only activating a simple mechanical action, but you are also experiencing a century-old design that has stood the test of time. The button operates a complicated system of seals, spouts, and springs that work together to control the flow of water. The genius of the drinking fountain button lies in its modular design, making it easy to repair and replace.

This modular design is not a new concept. Patent records show that the cartridge idea for drinking fountains dates back to at least the late 1950s, and it has since become a standard in the industry. Most drinking fountains today, whether they have push buttons or push bars, utilize the same cartridge system. This makes maintenance and repair easier for manufacturers and users alike.

However, drinking fountains haven’t always had push buttons. In the early days, designs required users to squeeze pliers-like handles or use levers and twist knobs to access water. The introduction of push buttons was a significant advancement, allowing for easier operation and maintenance. These buttons became particularly popular during the early 1900s when “sanitary fountains” were introduced to prevent the spread of disease. The push button design eliminated the need for shared cups and implemented vertical streams for better hygiene.

But why the move from levers to buttons? According to Haws Corporation, a company that has been building and patenting drinking fountain technology since 1906, maintenance became much easier with the introduction of cartridge systems. The modern cartridges have filters to prevent clogging and a screwdriver hole that allows users to adjust the height of the water stream. The buttons are also harder to vandalize compared to levers, as they have no lever to break off and a spinning cover that is difficult to tamper with.

Ironically, the main issue that causes drinking fountains to malfunction is a lack of basic maintenance. Many fountains simply need their strainers cleaned or the height screw adjusted. Haws even patented a version in 2006 that allows repairpersons to easily access the cartridge with a single special wrench. However, many people may not even realize that these simple fixes can restore a dribbling fountain to its full flow.

In the United States, subpar public drinking fountains are technically against the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires fountains to shoot water at least four inches high and have controls that do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Additionally, the force required to operate the fountain must not exceed five pounds. Therefore, if you encounter a faulty button, it is essential to notify the local parks department to have it fixed.

While purely physical drinking fountain buttons may not stick around forever, they are still the preferred option for many. Some refrigerated indoor water fountains have already adopted microswitches and solenoids for dispensing water, and hands-free sensors are popular in water bottle fillers. However, according to Haws Corporation, customers have returned to mechanical operation now that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Mechanical buttons are more reliable and easier to maintain over time, making them the preferred choice for many users.

In conclusion, the seemingly simple drinking fountain button is a testament to mechanical engineering and durability. Its modular design and ease of maintenance have allowed it to remain a staple in our daily lives for over a century. While technology continues to advance, sometimes the simplest solution is the most reliable. So, the next time you use a drinking fountain, take a moment to appreciate the elegance and ingenuity of that little button.



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