Adjustable Water Flow Regulator for Sanitary Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water outlet regulators for sanitary fittings face challenges in accommodating varying diameters and thread types, leading to increased development and storage costs due to the need for multiple variants to meet different application requirements, including air admixture and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A regulating device with a cylindrical sleeve and support plate, featuring a throttling and regulating element that can be rotated and moved axially, allowing for adjustable air and water flow, enabling flexible air admixture and precise control of water jet patterns, suitable for various diameters and thread types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of mouthpieces or shower heads are produced for different applications, then all requirements (air admixture for hotels, aerosol avoidance for hospitals) can be satisfied, but development costs, storage costs, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shower head device that can perform multiple functions through adjustable components. The flow rate regulator and air admixture device allow the same device to adapt to different applications (hotels, hospitals, private bathrooms) without requiring multiple variants, thereby reducing development and storage costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shower head adjustable through movable components. The flow rate regulator with threaded spindle and the air admixture device with adjustable openings enable the device to dynamically adapt its characteristics based on application requirements, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-function device.
2Reliability
If a threaded adjusting spindle with blind hole and distribution channels is used to regulate flow rate, then maximum flow rate can be set and protected from user damage, but the overall length increases to 50 mm and the device cannot function as an aerator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the flow rate regulation function from the air admixture function into distinct adjustable components. The flow rate regulator (spindle with distribution channels) and the air admixture device (with adjustable openings) are separate but integrated within the same shower head, allowing each to be optimized independently while working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the flow rate regulator and air admixture device within the same shower head housing. The threaded spindle is positioned such that its tip defines the flow rate, while air admixture openings are arranged around it. This nested arrangement allows both functions to coexist in a compact space without requiring 50 mm length.
3Productivity
If air is strongly admixed into the water jet to increase jet size, then the same liquid consumption provides larger coverage, but aerosol formation increases legionella infection risk in sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air admixture adjustable rather than fixed. The air admixture device with its adjustable openings allows users to control the amount of air mixed with water, enabling them to optimize between coverage (productivity) and aerosol formation (harmful factors) based on the specific application context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the air-to-water ratio. By changing the opening size of the air admixture device, the physical parameters of the water jet (velocity, aeration level, droplet size) are modified, enabling the same device to produce different jet characteristics suitable for different applications.
4Reliability
If conventional water jet regulators are designed for specific applications, then they meet specific requirements, but they cannot satisfy diametrically opposed requirements (air admixture vs. aerosol avoidance) simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shower head device that can perform multiple functions through adjustable components. The flow rate regulator and air admixture device allow the same device to adapt to different applications (hotels, hospitals, private bathrooms) without requiring multiple variants, thereby reducing development and storage costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shower head adjustable through movable components. The flow rate regulator with threaded spindle and the air admixture device with adjustable openings enable the device to dynamically adapt its characteristics based on application requirements, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-function device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces production and storage costs by maintaining core technical elements identical across embodiments, allowing for adaptable installation on different water outlets and enabling on-site adjustment of air and water settings, thus meeting diverse application needs without requiring multiple variants.
Implementation Method 1
a throttling and regulating element (30) which can be rotated relative to the support plate (21) about the axis and is movable in the direction of the axis, through which water can flow from one side of the supporting plate to the other side of the supporting plate
Implementation Method 2
an annular distribution space for the water, which is delimited by the support plate (21), the sleeve (20) and the throttling and regulating element (30), into which water can flow from openings of the throttling and regulating element (30) and from which water can flow out to a water outlet from the sleeve (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 8~11
AI summary
A regulating device for a water outflow, in particular of sanitary fittings, comprises a cylindrical sleeve (20) with a central cylinder axis. The sleeve (20) is adapted for attachment to or in the water outflow. A support plate (21) is disposed perpendicular with respect to the axis of the sleeve (20). A throttling and regulating element (30) can rotate relative to the support plate (21) about the axis and can move in the direction of the axis. By way of the throttling and regulating element (30), water (10) can flow through from one side of the support plate (21) to the other side of the support plate (21). The throttling and regulating element (30) comprises a device (60) for fine throttling of the water. An annular distribution space (12) for the water (10) is delimited by the support plate (21), the sleeve (20) and the throttling and regulating element (30). In the distribution space (12), water (10) can flow in from openings in the throttling and regulating element (30). In the distribution space (12), water (10) can flow out of the sleeve (20) to a water outlet (14).