Cyclic Shower Head Switch with Axial Reversing Shaft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional kitchen faucets have fixed outlet modes and directions, making them inconvenient and prone to instability under high water pressure, and kitchen shower heads require significant force to switch modes, leading to an unattractive design.
Innovation Solution
A single button cyclic switch component with a hollow main body, a reversing shaft, and a movably coupled reversing button that switches between two water effects via a guiding groove and sealing pad, allowing for compact design and reduced user force through elastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional outlet mode switch structure parallel to the radial direction is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the housing size in the radial direction increases, making the design unattractive and unsuitable for overall style
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the switching mechanism from a radial direction structure to an axial direction structure. The reversing shaft moves along the axial direction of the housing, and the button operates in the axial direction, thereby reducing the radial size of the housing while maintaining the switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the button switch mechanism operate parallel to the radial direction as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the approach by making the reversing shaft move along the axial direction, with the button operating axially to control the switching between outlet modes.
2Ease of operation
If a kitchen shower head with outlet mode switching is used, then the convenience of use is improved, but large force is required to switch the outlet mode, making it feel hard when switched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a button as an intermediary element that the user presses to initiate the switching action. The button is connected to the reversing shaft through a connecting element, allowing the user to apply small force to the button while the mechanism amplifies this to operate the sealing pad and switch outlet modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversing shaft is designed to move dynamically along the axial direction, transitioning between different positions to switch outlet modes. The connecting element allows for flexible movement and force transmission, making the switching operation smoother and requiring less force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional outlet mode switch structure is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the structure becomes unstable after long time usage, and large water pressure may damage the shower head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex traditional mechanical switching structures with a simplified axial moving shaft mechanism. The reversing shaft moves along the axis to control outlet modes, reducing mechanical complexity and potential failure points, thereby improving long-term reliability and resistance to water pressure.
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 solution enables smooth, stable, and continuous switching between water effects, reduces the radial size of the component, and improves user experience with reduced switching force and automatic reset, enhancing the appearance and functionality of kitchen shower heads.
Implementation Method 1
the accommodating chamber is disposed with an elastic element therein along the axis of the main body coupled to the reversing shaft; when the reversing shaft moves downwardly along the axis of the main body, the elastic element stores energy under pressure; the elastic force is larger than the force required to push the reversing shaft back to the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A single button, cyclic shower head switch includes a main body having a button opening and at least two outlet passages; a reversing shaft disposed in the main body by a connecting element having a pivot, that has a sealing pad and one end having a spherical surface including a top face and a bottom face, and is configured to move along the axis of the main body; and a reversing button movably coupled to the pivot, that protrudes from the button opening, and is disposed with a guiding groove coupled to the spherical surface of the reversing shaft. When the reversing button is switched, the guiding groove moves circularly about the pivot and abuts against the spherical surface and causes the reversing shaft to move downwardly or upwardly along the axis of the main body so that the sealing pad closes one outlet passage and opens another outlet passage.