Bidet Nozzle Assembly With Rotating Fluid Channel Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bidet designs require multiple fluid channels and valves to control the flow of washing liquid to both washing and sterilizing nozzles, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle assembly that uses a single motor to rotate a fluid channel switching member, allowing selective flow to either a washing or sterilizing nozzle by switching between two fluid channels, minimizing the number of valves and channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate valves and fluid channels are provided for both washing nozzle and sterilizing nozzle, then washing liquid can be supplied to both nozzles, but the number of valves and fluid channels increases, increasing device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing liquid supply capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valves and fluid channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of separate washing nozzle and sterilizing nozzle systems into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The fluid channel switching member consolidates multiple fluid pathways into one structure that can selectively direct washing liquid to either the washing nozzle or sterilizing nozzle, eliminating the need for separate valves and independent fluid channels for each nozzle type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid channel switching member serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve body, a flow distributor, and a switching mechanism simultaneously. This single component can direct washing liquid to different destinations (washing nozzle or sterilizing nozzle) based on the rotation angle, making it a multi-functional element that replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate valves and fluid channels are provided for washing nozzle and sterilizing nozzle, then both nozzles can operate independently, but the volume occupied by fluid channels and valves increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent nozzle operationVSAvoidvolume occupied by fluid channels and valves

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the fluid channel switching member contains multiple fluid channels (first fluid channel and second fluid channel) within its body. The washing liquid flows through different internal passages of the same component depending on the switching member's rotation angle, allowing independent operation of washing and sterilizing nozzles while minimizing the overall volume required for fluid distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If multiple valves and fluid channels are provided, then washing liquid can be controlled to flow to different nozzles, but the cost of providing separate components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing liquid flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single fluid channel switching member that can be manufactured as one integrated component. This switching member incorporates multiple fluid channels and switching mechanisms, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables cost reduction by reducing the number of valves and fluid channels while allowing seamless switching between washing and sterilizing functions.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid channel switching member rotates at a predetermined angle about an imaginary rotation axis extending along an extension direction of the nozzle within the housing to change from any one of the first water discharge state and the second water discharge state to the other state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS12508604B2Nozzle assembly and bidet including same

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 COWAY CO LTD

AI summary

A bidet includes: a housing having a water inflow channel and a water discharge channel; and a fluid channel switching member in which a first fluid channel that provides a path allowing a washing liquid introduced from the water inflow channel to flow therethrough and a second fluid channel that does not communicate with the first fluid channel are formed, the switching member being selectively placed in any one of a first water discharge state in which the water inflow channel communicates with the first fluid channel and a second water discharge state in which the water inflow channel communicates with the second fluid channel; a case which supports the fluid channel switching member and is disposed in the housing; and a nozzle having one end extending to be exposed to out of the case and the other end disposed inside the case to communicate with the first fluid channel.