Bodyspray with Bi-Directional Coupling for Adjustable Spray Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bodyspray devices lack the ability for easy manual adjustment of spray direction, limiting user customization and flexibility in water coverage during showers.

Innovation Solution

A bodyspray assembly with a bi-directional coupling assembly that allows the spray face to be omni-directionally adjusted by rotating about two independent axes, enabling the nozzles to pivot and direct the spray in various directions, with a flat spray face that is flush-mounted on the wall for compact installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bodyspray devices are used with fixed spray direction, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot adjust spray orientation to accommodate different preferences or maximize shower space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray direction adjustabilityVSAvoidcoupling assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is segmented into multiple rotatable components: a housing rotatable about a first axis, and a body rotatable about a second axis. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of spray orientation in different directions, enabling users to customize spray patterns without requiring a completely redesign of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the housing and body of the coupling assembly to rotate about independent axes. This transforms the fixed spray direction of conventional devices into a dynamically adjustable system, where the spray orientation can be changed during use to accommodate different user preferences and shower configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pivotable sprayhead mechanism is added to enable spray direction adjustment, then spray orientation flexibility improves, but the device becomes more complex and larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray orientation controlVSAvoidbodyspray assembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the sprayhead is integrated within the coupling assembly, which itself is mounted within the shower wall cavity. The housing and body are nested concentrically, with the body rotating within the housing. This nesting minimizes the overall volume of the moving components while maintaining full rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional rotational freedom by allowing rotation about two independent axes (first axis and second axis). This multi-dimensional rotation capability provides comprehensive spray orientation control without requiring linear extension of the device, thereby maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the spray face is made flush-mounted with the wall, then the shower space is maximized and appearance is improved, but the coupling assembly requires precise mounting and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshower wall surface utilizationVSAvoidflush-mounted assembly installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is designed with pre-configured mounting features that align with standard shower wall openings. The housing and body are assembled with integrated sealing and positioning elements before installation, allowing the entire assembly to be mounted as a unit. This preliminary assembly simplifies the installation process and ensures proper alignment for flush mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that interfaces between the coupling assembly and the shower wall. This intermediary component facilitates precise positioning and secure attachment, enabling flush mounting while accommodating variations in wall thickness and opening dimensions. The intermediary structure absorbs manufacturing tolerances and simplifies the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7770825B2Bodyspray having adjustable spray orientation
Publication Date: 2010.08.10 KOHLER CO(US)
  • US7770825B2 patent drawing
  • US7770825B2 patent drawing
  • US7770825B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bodyspray assembly is provided that includes a coupling assembly connected to a spray face. The spray face is operable to emit a directed spray having an omni-directionally adjustable angular orientation. Hence, a spray face in the form of a tile having an array of outlets can direct spray in a variety of directions, or be parallel to a mounting wall for decorative purposes.