Bidet Nozzle Assembly With Electroactive Polymer Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet bidet nozzles are limited in their ability to variably control cleansing water dispensing positions and angles, and they lack the capability to vibrate or rotate the water stream.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle assembly with a cleansing nozzle and a dispensing tube connected via an actuator using electroactive polymer driving bodies, which can adjust the dispensing angle by applying voltage to electrodes, allowing for variable positioning and vibration/rotation of the water stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional nozzle assembly with fixed forward/backward movement is used, then the structure is simple, but the nozzle cannot be variably controlled at dispensing positions or angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle dispensing position and angle controlVSAvoidactuator structure with polymer driving bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, gears, linkages) with electroactive polymer driving bodies that directly convert electrical energy to mechanical bending motion. This substitution enables precise angular control of the dispensing tube while reducing mechanical complexity and improving adaptability for variable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamically adjustable polymer driving bodies that can change their bending angle and direction by varying the applied voltage. This allows the dispensing tube to achieve continuous angular adjustment and variable positioning, transforming a static nozzle system into a dynamic, adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If voltage is applied to electrodes of polymer driving bodies, then the dispensing angle is adjusted, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing angle adjustmentVSAvoidvoltage consumption by polymer driving bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the property of electroactive polymers that change their physical state (bending angle) in response to voltage parameter changes. By adjusting voltage magnitude and duration, the system achieves variable dispensing angles while maintaining energy efficiency, as the polymers retain their position without continuous power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the nozzle is limited to forward/backward movement only, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning efficacy is reduced due to inability to vary dispensing positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidmulti-directional actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single actuator system: the polymer driving bodies enable both forward/backward movement and angular adjustment of the dispensing tube. This multi-functionality allows the nozzle to reach various positions and angles for comprehensive cleaning, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adjustable water dispensing positions and angles, as well as vibration or rotation of the water stream, enhancing cleaning efficacy and user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an electroactive polymer is housed within the polymer driving bodies, a pair of electrodes are formed on an outer surface of the polymer driving bodies, and when voltage is selectively applied to the electrodes of each polymer driving body, the electroactive polymer moves toward one electrode to force a corresponding polymer driving body to be bent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS8584269B2Nozzle assembly of toilet bidet and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2013.11.19 WOONGJIN COWAY

AI summary

A nozzle assembly of a toilet bidet and its control method are disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes: a cleansing nozzle with a cleansing water flow path; a dispensing tube connected with the cleansing water flow path to dispense cleansing water; an actuator including a connector coupled to the dispensing tube and a plurality of polymer driving bodies coupled to the connector, wherein an electroactive polymer is housed within the polymer driving bodies, a pair of electrodes are formed on an outer surface of the polymer driving bodies, and when voltage is selectively applied to the electrodes of each polymer driving body, the electroactive polymer moves toward one electrode to force a corresponding polymer driving body to be bent to thereby adjust a dispensing angle of the dispensing tube; and a voltage supply unit that applies voltage to the electrode of the polymer driving body.