Powered water delivery device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a powered water delivery apparatus, and specifically, a modular spray assembly for a spray head includes a stator having an inlet that can receive a flow of fluid. The modular shower assembly includes a cover coupled to the stator and having a first bearing disposed in the stator. A modular shower assembly includes an impeller rotatably coupled to a first bearing, where the impeller includes a second bearing. The modular shower assembly includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled to the second bearing. The rotor is eccentrically rotatable relative to the impeller through the second bearing. The impeller may rotate in response to the inlet receiving a flow of fluid.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 612,002, filed on December 19, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to water delivery devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a modular spray assembly that can maintain spray performance at low inlet flow rates through the use of kinetic energy. Background Art

[0004] Generally, as water conservation becomes more popular due to environmental stewardship or becomes necessary due to drought and water shortages, the market demands water delivery devices (e.g., showerheads and faucets) that can reduce water consumption by operating at low inlet flow rates (e.g., less than about 0.90 GPM). However, most conventional showerheads are unable to provide adequate spray performance at these low inlet flow rates.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a modular spray assembly for use in one or more water delivery devices that addresses one or more of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a modular spray assembly for a showerhead. The modular spray assembly includes a stator having an inlet that can receive a flow of fluid. The modular spray assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the stator and has a first bearing disposed within the stator. The modular spray assembly includes an impeller that is rotatably coupled to the first bearing and has a second bearing. The modular spray assembly includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled to the second bearing. The rotor can rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller via the second bearing. The impeller can rotate in response to the inlet receiving a flow of fluid.

[0007] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a showerhead. The showerhead includes a modular spray assembly. The modular spray assembly includes a stator having an inlet that can receive a flow of fluid. The modular spray assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the stator and has a first bearing disposed within the stator. The modular spray assembly includes an impeller that is rotatably coupled to the first bearing and has a second bearing. The modular spray assembly includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled to the second bearing. The rotor can rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller via the second bearing. The impeller can rotate in response to the inlet receiving a flow of fluid.

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a modular spray assembly for a nozzle. The modular spray assembly includes a body having an internal undulating surface, an inlet for receiving a flow of fluid, and an outlet for dispensing a flow of fluid. The modular spray assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the body and has a first bearing disposed in the body and defining a first axis. The modular spray assembly includes an impeller rotatably coupled to the first bearing, the impeller having a second bearing that defines a second axis offset from the first axis. The modular spray assembly includes a rotor rotatably coupled to the second bearing and having an external undulating surface. The rotor is rotatable relative to the impeller about the second axis via the second bearing. The impeller can rotate about the first axis in response to the inlet receiving a flow of fluid. Rotation of the impeller can cause the external undulating surface of the rotor to engage the internal undulating surface of the body such that a portion of the rotor orbits relative to the outlet of the body.

[0009] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a modular spray assembly for a nozzle. The modular spray assembly includes a stator, a rotor, an impeller, and a cover. The cover is coupled to the stator and includes a first bearing disposed in the stator. The impeller is rotatably coupled to the first bearing. The impeller includes a second bearing offset from the first bearing. The rotor is rotatably coupled to the impeller at the second bearing and is configured to rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller. The rotor includes an outer portion that rollingly engages an inner surface of the stator to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator. The stator includes an inlet configured to direct a flow of fluid toward the impeller to cause the impeller to rotate.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the stator includes an opening that receives a portion of the rotor therein.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the stator includes an inner surface having a wavy surface profile, wherein the outer portion of the rotor has a wavy surface profile configured to rollingly engage the inner surface of the stator.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the impeller includes a plurality of vanes that are angled to direct fluid received through the inlet of the stator toward the rotor.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, a seal is disposed within the stator to prevent fluid from leaking out of the stator as the rotor rotates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a modular spray assembly according to an exemplary implementation;

[0015] Figure 2 is according to an exemplary implementationFigure 1 Cross-sectional view of a modular spray assembly cut along an axial direction;

[0016] Figure 3 is according to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the modular spray assembly cut along a radial direction; and

[0017] Figure 4 is according to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Perspective view of the modular spray assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Generally, disclosed herein is a modular spray assembly configured to be used in one or more water delivery devices (such as showerheads, faucets, etc.) to provide improved spray performance at low inlet flow rates (e.g., less than 0.90 GPM) compared to conventional showerheads used in, for example, shower environments. The modular spray assembly disclosed herein includes structural features and components designed to generate a unique water spray pattern through rotational and orbital motion. This unique water spray pattern can provide the user with an effect that is the same as or similar to that of a spray pattern from a conventional showerhead based on a higher inlet flow rate. Additionally, by using rotational motion, the disclosed modular spray assembly can distribute water over a larger surface area and can help prevent the numbness that can occur due to the impact of a concentrated water jet on one area of the user's body, as many conventional showerheads do.

[0019] According to various implementations, the disclosed modular spray assembly includes a rotating nozzle head such that the flow of water exiting the device is separated into discrete droplets by a force that disrupts the cohesion of the flow. These discrete droplets can be large enough in size and have sufficient forward velocity to provide an effective user experience (e.g., form a massaging sensation for the user) even at low inlet flow rates (e.g., less than about 0.90 GPM, etc.). In contrast, conventional showerheads cannot provide a useful spray at such low inlet flow rates because the resulting spray pattern will be too wide and too sparse to provide an effective user experience.

[0020] Generally referring to the accompanying drawings, disclosed herein is a modular spray assembly that can be coupled to or installed within various water or other fluid delivery devices, including but not limited to nozzles, faucets, or other water delivery devices. The modular spray assembly includes a substantially cylindrical body (e.g., a stator) that defines an internal cavity and a central axis. The body includes a first end having one or more inlets configured to receive water and deliver the water to the internal cavity. The first end may also include a cover that can seal the body at the first end. The body includes a second end having an opening configured to receive one or more nozzles to discharge the fluid received via the one or more inlets. The body may include an impeller rotatably coupled to the cover located at the first end of the body. The impeller can be configured to rotate in one direction in response to water received at the inlets. The impeller may include an eccentric extension configured to define a bearing for a rotor. For example, the rotor can be rotatably coupled to the impeller via the bearing such that rotation of the impeller drives the rotor to rotate eccentrically about the central axis of the body.

[0021] The rotor may include a wavy outer surface configured to engage a corresponding wavy inner surface of the body. The engagement between the outer surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the body can cause the rotor to rotate about the central axis of the rotor. The rotor may include a nozzle portion having one or more nozzles configured to discharge water within the body. The nozzle portion of the rotor may at least partially project through the opening of the body at the second end of the body. The nozzle portion of the rotor may be cylindrical and may define a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening of the body such that when the rotor rotates about the central axis of the body and when the rotor rotates about the central axis of the rotor, the nozzle portion of the rotor can move along the inner circumference of the opening of the body. With this configuration, the modular spray assembly can include nozzles that rotate about a first axis and about a second axis such that a massage spray pattern is produced. Further, the powered rotation of the impeller and the rotor can contribute to providing an outlet flow pattern using a relatively low inlet flow rate.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, an exemplary implementation shows a modular spray assembly 100. The modular spray assembly 100 can be coupled to various nozzles (e.g., showerheads, body sprays, faucets, etc.) and / or used in various nozzles to change the flow rate, flow pattern, or other characteristics of the fluid flowing through the nozzle. For example, the stator 105 includes external attachment features (e.g., a plurality of external threads 145) that facilitate detachably coupling the modular spray assembly 100 to the body of, for example, a water delivery device (e.g., a nozzle or faucet, etc.). In other words, the modular spray assembly 100 is modular in that the parts of the modular spray assembly 100 can be pre-packaged and can be installed into a larger device (e.g., a showerhead, a body spray, or a kitchen faucet).

[0023] The modular spray assembly 100 includes a stator 105. For example, the stator 105 can include a housing or body for the modular spray assembly 100 that extends between a first end 220 and a second end 225. For example, the stator 105 can at least partially enclose the internal components of the modular spray assembly 100. The stator 105 can include a generally cylindrical shape having a central opening 110 defined by the wall 115 of the stator 105 at the second end 225. The central opening 110 can be shaped and / or sized to receive at least a portion of the rotor 120 of the modular spray assembly 100, as described in more detail herein. In some implementations, one or more of the components of the modular spray assembly 100 can be made of a low-friction material (e.g., acetal or other similar types of materials or combinations of materials) to facilitate smooth rotation and / or movement of the components, as described herein.

[0024] The stator 105 includes one or more inlets 125. For example, the inlets 125 can be circumferentially disposed around the stator 105 at the first end 220 of the stator 105, as Figure 3 shown. In some implementations, the inlets 125 are circumferentially equally spaced around the central axis of the stator 105 (e.g., Figure 2 the axis 210 shown in

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the modular spray assembly 100 may include a seal 190, a rotor 120, an impeller 140, and a cover 180. Each of the seal 190, the rotor 120, the impeller 140, and the cover 180 is at least partially disposed within an internal cavity 130 defined by an inner wall 135 of the stator 105. The cover 180 may at least partially seal the internal cavity 130 formed by the inner wall 135 of the stator 105 such that fluid flowing into the internal cavity 130 from the inlet 125 does not exit through the first end 220 of the stator 105.

[0026] The cover 180 may include one or more protrusions 195. The protrusions 195 may extend circumferentially along a portion of the perimeter of the cover 180 or along the entire perimeter of the cover 180. The stator 105 may include one or more mating grooves 200 that are capable of at least partially receiving the protrusions 195 of the cover 180. For example, the mating grooves 200 may be shaped and sized to receive the protrusions 195 to secure the cover 180 relative to the stator 105 (e.g., such that the cover 180 does not rotate relative to the stator 105). In other words, the cover 180 is configured to be coupled to the stator 105 to retain the impeller 140, the rotor 120, and the seal 190 within the stator 105. In some implementations, the cover 180 may be coupled to the stator 105 using various additional or alternative types of attachment features (e.g., by clamps, snaps, interference fits, bayonet attachments, etc.). In some implementations, the modular spray assembly 100 may not include a cover 180. For example, the first end 220 of the stator 105 may abut the surface of a water delivery device (e.g., a showerhead, a faucet, etc.) to serve as a cover for the assembly 100.

[0027] The cover 180 and the impeller 140 define a first bearing 202 of the modular spray assembly 100. For example, in some implementations, the cover 180 may include a shaft 175 (e.g., a protrusion) extending outwardly from an inner surface of the cover 180. The shaft 175 may at least partially receive a portion of the impeller 140 to define an axis for rotation of the impeller 140. For example, the shaft 175 may at least partially or fully extend through a portion of the impeller 140 (e.g., a first portion 170 of the impeller 140 (e.g., a first opening)). The shaft 175 may include a substantially cylindrical shape, and the first portion 170 (e.g., the first opening) of the impeller 140 may include a substantially cylindrical shape such that the impeller 140 can rotate freely about the shaft 175 at the first portion 170. In some implementations, the impeller 140 may include the shaft 175, and the cover 180 may include the first portion 170 or the first opening to form the first bearing 202.

[0028] The first portion 170 of the impeller 140 (e.g., the first opening) may be located at the central portion of the impeller 140. For example, the central axis extending through the first portion 170 of the impeller 140 may be aligned with the central axis of the impeller 140. The central axis of the impeller 140 may be aligned with the central axis 210 of the stator 105, as Figure 2 shown. Thus, each of the central axis of the impeller 140, the central axis of the first portion 170 of the impeller 140, and the central axis of the stator 105 may be referred to herein as axis 210.

[0029] The impeller 140 includes a plurality of vanes 146 (e.g., fan blades, fins, etc.) that extend radially outward from the center of the impeller 140 (e.g., from the first portion 170). The vanes 146 may include an overall arcuate shape and may be angled or inclined to direct the fluid received from the inlet 125 in an axial direction toward the rotor 120 and away from the shroud 180 in response to rotation of the impeller 140 about the central axis of the first portion 170 (e.g., axis 210). For example, the impeller 140 may be disposed within the stator 105, adjacent to one or more inlets 125 (e.g., at or near the first end 220), such that the fluid flowing into the inlet 125 is directed toward the vanes of the impeller 140. The angle of the inlet 125 may assist in causing the impeller 140 to rotate rapidly in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) by applying a force to the vanes 146 of the impeller 140. Simultaneously, the angle of the vanes 146 of the impeller 140 may assist in directing the fluid reflected from the vanes 146 in a direction toward the rotor 120 and away from the shroud 180. In some implementations, the angular pitch or inclination of the vanes 146 may advantageously generate a thrust force toward the shroud 180, which may reduce the force transmitted to other moving parts in the assembly, thereby reducing mechanical friction.

[0030] The impeller 140 and the rotor 120 define a second bearing 204 of the modular spray assembly 100. For example, in some implementations, the impeller 140 may include a second portion 185 that extends from the impeller 140 (e.g., from a portion of the first portion 170, from a portion of one or more vanes 146, etc.). The second portion 185 may include a second opening. For example, in some implementations, the second portion 185 may include a second opening to receive the shaft 205 of the rotor 120, thereby defining the second bearing 204. In some implementations, the second portion 185 of the impeller 140 may include a shaft 205 to project through an opening of the rotor 120, thereby defining the second bearing 204.

[0031] The second bearing 204 can be configured such that the rotor 120 can rotate freely relative to the impeller 140. For example, the second portion 185 of the impeller 140 (e.g., the second opening) can include a generally cylindrical shape having a central axis (e.g., axis 215) that is offset from the central axis (e.g., axis 210) of the first opening defined by the first portion 170 of the impeller 140. In other words, the second portion 185 is eccentric such that the central axis 215 of the second portion 185 of the impeller 140 is offset from both the central axis of the first portion 170 and from the central axis 210 of the impeller 140. With this configuration, rotation of the impeller 140 (e.g., in response to the force of the fluid applied to the blades 146) causes the rotor 120 to rotate both about the central axis 215 of the rotor 120 and to orbit about the central axis 210 of the impeller 140 and the stator 105, as described in more detail herein.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 - 4 , the rotor 120 includes a rotor nozzle 150 and a rotor base 155. The rotor nozzle 150 and the rotor base 155 can be integrally connected such that the rotor nozzle 150 and the rotor base 155 form a single unitary rotor 120. With this configuration, the movement path of the rotor nozzle 150 can be the same as the path of the rotor base 155 since they are a single component. Making the rotor nozzle 150 and the rotor base 155 form a continuous part helps reduce the number of rotating machine parts that can be damaged by debris or other mineral deposits compared to making the rotor nozzle 150 and the rotor base 155 separate components, and helps reduce the number of parts formed during manufacturing.

[0033] The rotor nozzle 150 can include a generally cylindrical shape. The rotor nozzle 150 can define the spray surface of the modular spray assembly 100. For example, the rotor nozzle 150 can include one or more nozzles 160, as Figure 4 shown. The one or more nozzles 160 are configured to receive fluid flowing through the stator 105 from the inlet 125 and spray the fluid onto the exterior of the stator 105. For example, the rotor nozzle 150 is configured to at least partially project through the central opening 110 adjacent to the wall 115 of the stator 105 such that the one or more nozzles 160 are exposed to the exterior portion of the stator 105. As Figure 2 shown, the one or more nozzles 160 extend continuously through the rotor nozzle 150 to provide a fluid flow path from the interior cavity 130 of the stator 105 at the distal end of the rotor nozzle 150, as Figure 2 shown.

[0034] In some implementations, the one or more nozzles 160 can be angled relative to the central axis 210 of the stator 105, as Figure 2As shown. With this configuration, the nozzle 160 can spray fluid at an outward angle relative to the central axis 210, thereby defining a wider spray range than if the nozzle 160 defined a path parallel to the central axis 210. In some implementations, the nozzle 160 can be circumferentially disposed along a portion of the rotor nozzle 150, as Figure 4 shown. For example, the nozzle 160 can be located only within the first half of the spray surface of the rotor nozzle 150. In some implementations, the nozzles 160 can be circumferentially spaced equally or substantially equally along the spray surface of the rotor nozzle 150. In some implementations, the nozzles 160 can be randomly or equally distributed around the spray surface of the rotor nozzle 150. The positions of the nozzles 160 can be, for example, symmetric, grouped, or other arrangements. Further, although three nozzles 160 are shown, the rotor 120 can include any number of nozzles 160 based on the diameter of the nozzles 160, the diameter of the rotor nozzle 150, the desired flow rate, and / or the desired spray pattern.

[0035] The outer periphery of the rotor base 155 includes a wavy surface (e.g., an outer wavy surface) having a plurality of alternating protrusions and recesses (e.g., similar to gear teeth). The inner wall 135 of the stator 105 includes a corresponding wavy surface (e.g., an inner wavy surface), as Figure 3 shown, such that the outer contour of the rotor base 155 matches the inner contour of the stator 105. For example, the inner wall 135 includes a plurality of alternating protrusions and recesses that form a wavy surface profile that continuously extends around the central axis 210. The wavy surface profile of the inner wall 135 advantageously provides a mating surface for the relative rotational movement of the rotor 120. For example, when the rotation of the impeller 140 causes the rotor 120 to rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller 140, the engagement between the wavy surfaces can simultaneously cause the rotor 120 to rotate about its own axis 215, which is offset from the central axis 210 of the stator 105 and the impeller 140. With this configuration, the outer portion of the rotor base 155 can rollingly engage with the inner wall 135 of the stator 105 and allow rotational movement of the rotor 120 relative to the stator 105, as Figure 3 shown. In other words, the rotor base 155 can roll against the inner wall 135 via the wavy interface between the outer portion of the rotor base 155 and the inner wall 135 of the stator 105. Further, the internal hydraulic pressure of the water in the internal cavity 130 of the stator 105 can generate a thrust on the rotor 120 to push or bias the rotor 120 toward the central opening 110 of the stator 105.

[0036] The rotor base 155 has a diameter greater than that of the rotor nozzle 150, and the rotor nozzle 150 has a diameter less than the diameter of the central opening 110 of the stator 105. For example, the diameter of the central opening 110 is approximately equal to the diameter of the rotor nozzle 150 plus twice the offset distance between the first central axis 210 and the second central axis 215. Thus, the diameter of the central opening 110 is greater than the diameter of the rotor nozzle 150. With this configuration, when the outer portion of the rotor nozzle 150 engages (e.g., contacts) the wall 115 defined by the central opening 110 of the stator 105, the rotor 120 rotates about its own central axis 215 and also orbits about the first central axis 210. In other words, the eccentric rotation of the rotor 120 relative to the rotation of the impeller 140 causes the rotor nozzle 150 to move along the perimeter of the central opening 110 of the stator 105.

[0037] When the rotor nozzle 150 rotates along the wall 115 of the central opening 110 of the stator 105, the larger diameter of the central opening 110 can form a crescent-shaped opening between the rotor base 155 and the wall 115 of the stator 105, which is on the opposite side of the side where the rotor nozzle 150 of the central opening 110 contacts the wall 115 of the central opening 110, as Figure 4 shown. The seal 190 can be positioned above this crescent-shaped opening to facilitate preventing fluid (e.g., water) from leaking through the crescent-shaped opening of the stator 105. For example, the seal 190 can be disposed between the rotor 120 and the central opening 110 of the stator 105. The seal 190 can include an annular shape. For example, the seal can at least partially surround the rotor nozzle 150 and can at least partially contact the surface of the rotor base 155 facing the central opening 110.

[0038] The outer diameter of the seal 190 can be greater than the outer diameter of the rotor nozzle 150, and thus the seal 190 can be configured to prevent water from leaking between the rotor 120 and the stator 105 during the operation of the modular spray assembly 100. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the crescent-shaped opening remains closed to the outflowing fluid by the seal 190, which slides freely as the rotor nozzle 150 follows the orbital path. This advantageously reduces the size of the thrust surface of the rotor 120 and the corresponding friction caused by the hydraulic pressure. For example, the seal 190 is configured to engage the rotor 120 when the rotor 120 is pushed towards the central opening 110. In this way, the hydraulic pressure in the internal cavity 130 can help maintain the contact between the rotor 120 and the seal 190 to help prevent water from leaking between the rotor 120 and the stator 105.

[0039] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 - 4Discuss the functionality of the modular spray assembly 100. A flow of fluid (e.g., water) can enter the internal cavity 130 formed by the stator 105 through one or more of the inlets 125. For example, the modular spray assembly 100 can be coupled to a nozzle (e.g., a showerhead, a handheld sprayer, a faucet, or other types of water delivery devices) to receive the water flow. By using the modular spray assembly with a separate device, the device has higher design flexibility, such as allowing the use of decorative surface finishes (e.g., electroplating, etc.), which would otherwise not be permissible for the modular spray assembly itself (e.g., due to material limitations associated with the use of low-friction components in the modular spray assembly, etc.). In some implementations, water can occupy the cavity of the nozzle substantially surrounding the stator 105 to allow water to enter one or more of the multiple inlets 125 on the modular spray assembly 100. In this way, water can be communicated to the stator 105 through the inlets 125. In other implementations, the stator 105 is directly fluidly coupled to a fluid supply source.

[0040] The angle of the inlets 125 can advantageously direct the water towards the multiple vanes 146 of the impeller 140 to cause the impeller 140 to rotate about a central axis 210 defined by the first bearing 202. The rotation of the impeller 140 simultaneously causes the rotor 120 to rotate eccentrically via the second bearing 204. In other words, the rotation of the impeller 140 about the first axis 210 through the first bearing 202 can cause the rotor 120 to rotate eccentrically about the first axis 210 such that the rotor 120 orbits about the first axis 210. This defines the gear reduction of the first stage of the modular spray assembly 100.

[0041] When the impeller 140 causes the rotor 120 to orbit, the wavy surface of the rotor 120 engages the corresponding wavy surface of the stator 105, causing the rotor 120 to rotate about its own axis 210. In other words, the engagement between the wavy surface of the stator 105 and the wavy surface of the rotor 120 causes the rotor 120 to rotate about a second axis 215, which is defined by the second bearing 204 and offset from the first axis 210. This defines the gear reduction of the second stage of the modular spray assembly 100. In this way, the hydraulic load of the rotor 120 is directed towards the inner wall 135 of the stator 105 to limit the amount of load transferred to other moving parts in the assembly, thereby increasing the service life of these components and improving the overall efficiency of the modular spray assembly 100.

[0042] When the rotor base 155 of the rotor 120 rotates, the rotor nozzle 150 integrally connected to the rotor base 155 rotates eccentrically about the first axis 210, and thus causes one or more nozzles 160 to rotate about the first axis 210. In addition to rotating about the first axis 210, the rotor nozzle 150 also rotates about its own central axis 215. In some implementations, the impeller 140 rotates rapidly about the central axis 210 of the stator 105 approximately seven times faster than the rotor nozzle 150 rotates about its own central axis 215.

[0043] With this configuration, the modular spray assembly 100 converts the rotational motion of the impeller 140 into an orbital motion of the nozzles 160 because the nozzles 160 follow the hypocycloid path equation. The path of the rotor nozzle 150 may not have a fixed center, but since the central opening 110 of the stator 105 is larger than the diameter of the rotor nozzle 150, the path may be eccentric. This allows the nozzles 160 to travel in an orbit, thereby forming a unique spray pattern that covers a larger area than a fixed center (e.g., two-stage) mechanism. Further, the motion of the rotor nozzle 150 is orbital because it travels along an eccentric path while rotating about its own central axis 215.

[0044] The gear reduction of the first and second stages advantageously provides a specific gear ratio that produces a specific rotational speed of the nozzles 160 relative to the stator 105 to produce a unique water spray pattern. This unique spray pattern can provide a more effective user experience compared to conventional sprinklers operating at the same low inlet flow rate or a conventional inlet flow rate. In other words, compared to traditional water delivery devices, the modular spray assembly 100 can advantageously increase the coverage of the water spray or produce an improved massage effect for the user using a low-flow water source. Additionally, by using powered motion, the disclosed modular spray assembly 100 can distribute water over a larger area and can help prevent numbness that may occur due to concentrated water jets hitting the same area of the user, as is the case with many conventional water delivery devices.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those of ordinary skill in the art reviewing this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow a description of some of the features being described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that non-substantive or immaterial modifications or alterations to the subject matter being described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the application as recited in the appended claims.

[0046] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representatives, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily exceptional or extraordinary examples).

[0047] The terms "coupled", "connected", etc. as used herein refer to two components being joined together either directly or indirectly. This joining can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). This joining can be implemented by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components forming a single integral body with each other, or by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to each other.

[0048] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc.) are only for describing the orientations of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientations of the various elements may be different, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0049] It should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the devices shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily understand that many modifications can be made (e.g., changes in the dimensions, sizes, structures, shapes and proportions, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of the various elements) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as being formed integrally can be composed of multiple components or elements, the positions of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be changed or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments.

[0050] Other substitutions, modifications, variations, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined with or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A modular spray assembly for a spray head, the modular spray assembly comprising: a stator comprising an inlet configured to receive a flow of a fluid; a cover coupled to the stator and including a first bearing disposed in the stator; an impeller rotatably coupled to the first bearing, the impeller including a second bearing; and a rotor rotatably coupled to the second bearing, the rotor being configured to rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller via the second bearing; Wherein the impeller is configured to rotate in response to the inlet receiving the flow of the fluid. 2 . The modular spray assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a seal disposed within the stator, wherein the seal is configured to prevent the flow of the fluid from leaking through the stator.

3. The modular spray assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet is a first inlet of a plurality of inlets; and The plurality of inlets are disposed circumferentially around a side of the stator.

4. The modular spray assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet is disposed at an angle relative to a side of the stator to direct the flow of the fluid toward the impeller.

5. The modular spray assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The impeller includes a plurality of blades disposed circumferentially around the impeller; and At least one of the plurality of blades extends at an angle to direct the flow of the fluid toward the rotor.

6. The modular spray assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The stator includes an opening at one end of the stator, the opening defining a first diameter; The rotor includes a nozzle extending at least partially through the opening of the stator, the nozzle defining a second diameter; and The first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

7. The modular spray assembly of claim 6, wherein the first diameter is substantially equal to the second diameter plus twice the distance between a first central axis defined by the first bearing and a second central axis defined by the second bearing.

8. The modular spray assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The stator comprises an inner corrugated surface; and The rotor includes an outer undulating surface configured to engage the inner undulating surface of the stator.

9. The modular spray assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotor includes a nozzle extending at an outward angle away from a central axis of the rotor.

10. A nozzle, comprising: Modular spray components, including: a stator comprising an inlet configured to receive a flow of a fluid; a cover coupled to the stator and including a first bearing disposed in the stator; an impeller rotatably coupled to the first bearing, the impeller including a second bearing; and a rotor rotatably coupled to the second bearing, the rotor being configured to rotate eccentrically relative to the impeller via the second bearing; Wherein the impeller is configured to rotate in response to the inlet receiving the flow of the fluid.

11. The sprayhead of claim 10, further comprising a seal disposed within the stator, wherein the seal is configured to prevent the flow of the fluid from leaking through the stator.

12. The spray head according to claim 10, wherein: The inlet is a first inlet of a plurality of inlets; and The plurality of inlets are disposed circumferentially around a side of the stator.

13. The spray head of claim 10, wherein the inlet is disposed at an angle relative to a side of the stator to direct the flow of the fluid toward the impeller.

14. The spray head according to claim 10, wherein: The impeller includes a plurality of blades disposed circumferentially around the impeller; and At least one of the plurality of blades extends at an angle to direct the flow of the fluid toward the rotor.

15. The spray head according to claim 10, wherein: The stator includes an opening at one end of the stator, the opening defining a first diameter; The rotor includes a nozzle extending at least partially through the opening of the stator, the nozzle defining a second diameter; and The first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

16. The sprayhead of claim 15, wherein the first diameter is substantially equal to the second diameter plus twice the distance between a first central axis defined by the first bearing and a second central axis defined by the second bearing.

17. The spray head according to claim 10, wherein: The stator comprises an inner corrugated surface; and The rotor includes an outer undulating surface configured to engage the inner undulating surface of the stator.

18. The sprayhead of claim 10, wherein the rotor includes a nozzle extending at an outward angle away from a central axis of the rotor.

19. A modular spray assembly for a spray head, the modular spray assembly comprising: a body comprising an inner contoured surface, an inlet configured to receive a flow of fluid, and an outlet configured to distribute the flow of fluid; a cover coupled to the body and including a first bearing disposed in the body defining a first axis; an impeller rotatably coupled to the first bearing, the impeller including a second bearing defining a second axis offset from the first axis; as well as a rotor rotatably coupled to the second bearing and comprising an outer undulating surface, the rotor being configured to rotate relative to the impeller about the second axis via the second bearing; wherein the impeller is configured to rotate about the first axis in response to the inlet receiving a flow of the fluid; and Wherein rotation of the impeller is configured to cause the outer undulating surface of the rotor to engage the inner undulating surface of the body such that a portion of the rotor orbits relative to an outlet of the body.

20. The modular spray assembly of claim 19, further comprising a seal disposed within the body between the outlet of the body and the rotor, wherein the seal is configured to prevent leakage of the flow of the fluid through the body.

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