Battery Pump Assembly for Shower Pressure Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower heads often experience low water pressure due to their distance from the water supply origin, particularly when located on upper floors, where the existing plumbing system cannot maintain desired pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, battery-operated pump assembly is installed between the shower arm and shower head, comprising a centrifugal pump driven by an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, allowing for adjustable pressure increase without requiring additional plumbing or wiring, using a speed control unit for on/off and pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shower head is installed far from the water supply origin (e.g., on upper floors), then the shower can be located in desired positions, but the water pressure becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A battery-powered pump assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the water supply and shower head. The pump actively mediates the water flow, boosting pressure to compensate for distance-related pressure loss, thereby enabling shower installation in remote locations while maintaining adequate water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive gravitational pressure system is replaced with an active battery-powered pump system. Instead of relying solely on water weight and plumbing pressure, an electric motor-driven pump mechanically boosts the water pressure, allowing flexible shower placement independent of distance from the water supply.
2Stress or pressure
If a battery-powered pump assembly is added to increase water pressure, then water pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump, battery, motor, and control components are merged into a single integrated handheld assembly. This consolidation simplifies installation and operation despite the multiple internal components, as users interact with one unified device rather than separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed to be self-contained with an internal battery and motor, requiring no external power supply or complex plumbing modifications. Users simply attach the assembly to the shower head and activate it, making the system self-sufficient and easy to deploy without professional installation.
3Ease of operation
If a pump assembly with multiple components is used to boost pressure, then water pressure control is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All pressure control mechanisms, battery, and pump components are merged into a single handheld unit that attaches to the existing shower head. This integration maintains ease of installation (simpler than modifying plumbing) while preserving advanced pressure control capabilities through the unified design.
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 pump assembly effectively increases water pressure to the shower head, providing adjustable pressure settings and ease of installation, enhancing user experience without the need for specialized fittings or adapters, and ensuring safety with low voltage operation.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump driven by an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A self contained battery operated pump assembly to be installed in fluid communication between a shower arm and a shower head includes a pump; a pump motor connected with the pump for, when energized, driving the pump; and a battery that is electrically connected with the pump motor for energizing the pump motor. An inlet fitting is in fluid communication with the pump for directing water from the shower arm to the pump, the inlet fitting being configured for connection with the shower arm. An outlet fitting is in fluid communication with the pump for directing water under pressure from the pump to the shower head, the outlet fitting being configured for connection with the shower head.