Adjustable Shower Bar Supply Assembly for Variable Pipe Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower systems lack flexibility and adaptability in accommodating varying water supply pipe positions and wall thicknesses, leading to installation challenges and potential damage to the water supply pipe during mounting.
Innovation Solution
A shower system design featuring an adjustable supply assembly with a sliding adapter and o-ring seal, a transfer valve assembly with a pivotable valve member, and an angled hose connector, allowing for flexible positioning and secure mounting on walls of different thicknesses, and accommodating various water supply pipe heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shower system is installed, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate varying wall thicknesses and pipe positions
Solution Approach 1:
The supply member is designed with sliding capability within the adapter, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distance between the pipe outlet and supply outlet. This dynamic structure enables the system to adapt to different wall thicknesses and pipe positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components including the adapter, supply member, shower bar, and shower member. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, providing adaptability to various installation conditions without requiring complex integrated designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supply member is made adjustable to accommodate different positions, then adaptability improves, but the risk of damaging the water supply pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the fixed pipe outlet and the adjustable supply member. It provides a stable mounting interface that distributes mechanical loads, preventing direct stress on the pipe while enabling adjustment of the supply member to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal positioned between the adapter and supply member provides cushioning and protection during adjustment. It prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the pipe outlet while maintaining sealed connection during positioning adjustments.
3Reliability
If a seal is added to provide sealed connection during adjustment, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated into the existing adapter-supply member interface rather than being a separate complex assembly. This merging of the sealing function into the structural connection provides reliable sealed connection while minimizing additional components and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower system and a handshower system. The system may include an adjustable supply assembly fluidly connectable to the water supply pipe, the supply assembly including an adapter defining an axis and having an inlet coupleable to the pipe outlet, a supply member having a supply outlet and coupled in fluid communication with the adapter, the supply member being coupled to the adapter for movement along the axis to adjust a distance between the pipe outlet and the supply outlet, and a seal positioned and operable to provide a sealed connection between the adapter and the supply member in adjusted positions the supply member relative to the adapter. The handshower system may include an angled connector between a shower bar assembly and a handshower hose.