EXTEND™ FAUCET EXTENDER

Helping Little Hands Reach Water

Brand: Munchkin
Launch: 2018

“No more standing on tippy-toes to reach the faucet, because a helping hand is within reach!”

A must-have for little ones who need a little help when washing their hands or brushing their teeth. The flexible attachment is designed to work with practically any faucet, bringing the water flow closer than ever before.

Two modern white self-cleaning baby bottle wash stations with silver faucets on a gray countertop.

CHALLENGES

  • Designing a Universal Fit
    Study common US faucet designs and use adjustable elements to fit 80% of faucets.

  • Avoiding Patent Infringement:
    Review existing patents and introduce unique features to differentiate the product.

  • Meeting Target's Request
    Develop a detailed project plan with clear phases and sufficient resources to deliver in 9 months.

  • Navigating Design Challenges
    Prioritize key elements, use rapid prototyping, and maintain open team communication to meet the two-month design deadline.

Collage of sketches, diagrams, and photos showcasing the design process of kitchen faucets and fixtures, including technical drawings, measurements, color prototypes, and real-life components shown on a desk.

DEVELOPMENT

A white kitchen sink with two silver faucets and a drain, set against a dark countertop. Red arrows point to specific measurement points on the sink, accompanied by labels explaining the measurements from the spout tip to the sink bottom and front edge, and from the sink front edge to the sink cabinet front edge.

RESEARCH
Developed survey questions to gather data on individuals' bathroom sink measurements, aiming to uncover variations and identify potential challenges.

Five different chrome faucet parts labeled with numbers from 1 to 5 on a wooden surface.

RESEARCH
Conducted research by reviewing IRI data to identify the best-selling faucets in the US. Subsequently, procured diverse samples and meticulously measured every detail prior to commencing the design process.

Design sketch of a combination lock with a heart symbol, featuring labels for hinge, TPE cord, and brackets for horizontal and vertical faucets.

IDEATE
In a collaborative team environment, generated and refined ideas while mentoring design interns, fostering creativity and collaboration on early design concepts.

Design drawings of three futuristic personal transportation devices, with the first device shown in black, the others in white.

3D CAD MODELING
Produced multiple 3D CAD models to assess fit dimensions, enabling comparison through the creation of 3D printed samples.

Diagram of a mechanical part showing internal features with labels for parting lines and specific line types, including core, cavity, and hole zones.

ENGINEERING
Collaborated with a mechanical engineer to devise a silicone structure capable of retaining its shape while offering the necessary flexibility around the fitting on faucets.

Technical diagram of a blue hardware component with dimensions, radius, and perimeter annotations. Contains top and side views, and measurements in millimeters for hole perimeters, inner and outer contours, including specific data like TPE elongation at yield of 15-44% with an average of 26.5%.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Developed a universally adaptable design for the faucet extender's opening, ensuring compatibility with the majority of faucets available in the market.

Disassembled gray plastic parts on a notebook, with a digital caliper measuring one piece, on a wooden desk with various tools and objects nearby.

PROTOTYPING & TESTING
Produced multiple prototypes and iteratively modified the design to ensure optimal compatibility with various faucet types, validating functionality through physical testing and adjustments.

Diagram comparing proper and improper installation of a water-saving faucet extension, showing correct use with water flow directed downward and incorrect use with water flow directed upward.

UTILITY PATENT
Created detailed drawings for the Legal team to submit utility patents. Patent number: US 20200217053

Person rinsing hands with a water filter attached to a kitchen faucet.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Collaborate with cross-functional team to deliver the final product and was able to sold to Target stores in less than 9 months of design to manufacturing phases.

  • A 3D bioprinter creating tissue samples with a blue gel in Petri dishes on a worktable.
  • Collection of various plastic and silicone earplug containers and tips arranged on a white surface.
  • A white hand sanitizer dispenser attached to a wooden divider in front of a bathroom sink with two chrome faucets.
  • Two black plastic and aluminum structures on a cutting mat, one smaller and one larger, each with a circular base and a cylindrical opening.
  • Various 3D-printed prototypes, including two black curved models, a blue model, and small white parts, are laid out on a black grid cutting mat. A schematic drawing of three of the prototypes is on paper in the upper left corner.
  • Disassembled kitchen faucet parts including handles, a blue soap dish, and connecting hoses on a black grid cutting mat.
  • Various faucet extender options with labeled plastic bags displaying their compatible shower sizes, and faucet extender components laid out on a white surface.
  • Close-up of a shiny chrome faucet mounted on a grey sink.
  • A person holds a faucet hole saw attachment with a gray shield in a bathroom with white countertops and chrome fixtures.
Two wireless earbuds, one with the ear tip and one without, displayed against a light gray background.
Gray automatic paper towel dispenser with a large opening at the bottom, mounted on a light gray wall.

FEATURE

Faucet running water into a bathroom sink with a granite countertop.

SIMPLY FITS ONTO 80% OF BATHROOM FAUCETS
Effortlessly fitting onto 80% of bathroom faucets, this innovation ensures compatibility and convenience for a wide range of users.

A sink faucet with a paper towel dispenser attached underneath, dispensing paper towels into a tray.

MADE OF TWO SIMPLE PARTS
Crafted from just two simple parts - stretchable silicone and flexible polypropylene spout - this intuitive design offers ease of use and durability.

Person washing hands with soap under a faucet, with a silicone protective cover on the faucet handled by a hand, in black and white.

BLENDS IN WITH THE REST OF BATHROOM
Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, this product seamlessly integrates into the bathroom environment, avoiding any jarring contrasts. This strategic approach broadened the customer base beyond parents with kids, appealing to a wider audience seeking both functionality and aesthetic harmony in their living spaces.

A white and gray automatic soap dispenser with a curved design.
An open gray and white pencil sharpener with a built-in shavings compartment
Gray automatic paper tape dispenser with a heart-shaped logo on the top
Two children, a boy and a girl, playing and laughing together at the kitchen sink while washing dishes.
A young girl with curly hair in two buns, smiling while washing her hands at a bathroom sink. She wears a colorful shirt with animal prints and blue shorts. The bathroom has a mirror, toothbrushes, and decorative items.

ACHIEVEMENT

  • Over 17000 reviews on Amazon.com with above 4.5-star rating.

  • Millions of dollars in revenue per year.

  • Most sought-after faucet extender in the market, sold at Amazon, Target, and Walmart stores.

  • Received utility patent.

Image of a pack of two Munchkin Extend Faucet Extenders, rubber with polished finish, designed to fit most standard faucets, for bathroom safety.
Patent application image showing a faucet extender design with labeled components and a flow of water from the faucet.
Patent drawing of a foldable electronic device, shown from top and bottom perspectives, featuring a heart-shaped button and various structural components.
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