Axial Water Stop Device for Compact Shower Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shower heads require a large inlet pipe diameter for a water stop device, making them aesthetically unappealing due to the need for increased space for the water stop mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A water stop device with a main body, transmitting element, and sealing element that moves axially to control water flow, utilizing a chamber and sealing rings to maintain water pressure neutrality and reduce pipe diameter requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional water stop device is used in the shower head, then the water stop function is achieved, but the inlet pipe diameter must be increased making the shower head aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing element's movement direction from radial (perpendicular to axis) to axial (parallel to axis). This dimensional change allows the sealing element to move along the axis of the confluence passage rather than radially, enabling effective sealing without increasing the inlet pipe diameter, thus resolving the contradiction between water stop reliability and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing element that moves axially between open and closed positions rather than a static structure. The sealing element is coupled to a transmitting element that converts user input into axial movement, dynamically adjusting the flow state. This dynamic approach achieves reliable water stopping while maintaining a compact design that doesn't require larger pipe diameters.
2Reliability
If the sealing element moves radially to close the confluence passage, then water stop is achieved, but the device occupies large space requiring increased pipe diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the sealing element's movement from radial direction to axial direction. By moving along the axis of the confluence passage rather than radially outward, the sealing element achieves effective sealing within the existing pipe diameter constraints, significantly reducing the device space occupation while maintaining water stop reliability.
3Shape
If a compact water stop device is used to maintain small inlet pipe diameter, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but switching reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmitting element as an intermediary between the activating element and the sealing element. This transmitting element (such as a push rod) converts the user's input force into precise axial movement of the sealing element, ensuring reliable switching action even within the compact axial space. The intermediary mechanism guarantees that the sealing element achieves complete closure or full opening, maintaining switching reliability despite the compact design.
4Ease of operation
If the sealing element is designed to move axially with minimal force, then ease of operation is improved, but sufficient sealing force may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting element acts as a force transmission intermediary that amplifies and directs the user's input force. When the activating element is pressed, the transmitting element converts this small input force into sufficient axial force on the sealing element, enabling both easy operation and effective sealing. The mechanical advantage provided by the transmitting element resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and sealing effectiveness.
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
The axial movement of the sealing element allows for efficient water stop and supply switching with minimal force, maintaining aesthetic appeal by not increasing the inlet pipe diameter and preventing switching failures due to air pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element moves between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the confluence passage; the sealing element closes the confluence passage when the sealing element is situated in the second position
Implementation Method 2
the first sealing element always contacts with the side wall of the chamber in sealing way; the second sealing ring contacts with the side wall of the confluence passage in sealing way
Implementation Method 3
water flows out of the inlet passage and impacts the bottom end of the external wall of the chamber then divides to the diversion passage at the side of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided with a water stop device, wherein comprising: a main body, a transmitting element and a sealing element; the main body is disposed with an inlet passage, a diversion passage and a confluence passage in the axial direction in order; the diversion passage is connected to the confluence passage by a normal-open hole; one end of the sealing element is coupled to the transmitting element in transmitting way, such that the sealing element moves between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the confluence passage; the diversion passage is connected to the confluence passage when the sealing element is situated in the first position; the sealing element closes the confluence passage when the sealing element is situated in the second position. The present invention can occupy small space such to decrease the diameter of the inlet pipe efficiently.