Adjustable Shower Bar Supply Assembly for Variable Wall Depths
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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, allowing for adjustable positioning of the shower bar relative to the water supply pipe, and a transfer valve assembly with a pivotable diverter stem for directing water flow between a showerhead and handshower, along with an angled hose connector for convenient handshower placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed shower system is installed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths
Solution Approach 1:
The supply member is designed to be movable relative to the adapter along the axis, transforming a fixed rigid structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the supply member to be positioned at different distances from the pipe outlet to accommodate varying wall thicknesses and pipe depths while maintaining a sealed connection through the seal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supply member is made adjustable to accommodate different pipe depths, then adaptability improves, but the risk of damaging the water supply pipe during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the fixed pipe outlet and the movable supply member. It provides a stable mounting point and guides the adjustment movement, preventing direct manipulation forces from being applied to the fragile pipe outlet and reducing the risk of damage during installation and adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a telescoping supply assembly is used to accommodate varying installations, then ease of installation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply assembly is segmented into distinct components: the adapter (fixed to pipe), the seal (providing connection), and the supply member (movable). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, as components can be assembled in a logical sequence without requiring complex integrated adjustments.
4Reliability
If the seal is positioned to provide sealed connection in adjusted positions, then connection reliability improves, but the complexity of ensuring sealing across multiple positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to automatically maintain its sealing function across multiple positions of the supply member. As the supply member moves along the axis, the seal passively adapts to maintain contact and provide a sealed connection without requiring active control mechanisms, complex adjustments, or additional components to ensure sealing at each position.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a shower system having first and second shower members and connectable to a water supply with a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The assembly includes an adjustable supply assembly and a diverter valve. The adjustable supply assembly includes an adapter coupleable to the pipe outlet, a supply member having a supply outlet and coupled to the adapter for movement along the axis, and a seal positioned to provide a sealed connection in adjusted positions. The diverter valve includes a valve inlet in fluid communication with the supply outlet, and first and second valve outlets in fluid communication with the first and second shower members, respectively. The shower system is mounted in an enclosure having a wall. The adapter connects to the pipe outlet on one side of the wall, and the diverter valve is located on another side of the wall.