Digitally Controlled Showerhead Valves for Water Flow Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing showerhead assemblies lack the ability to efficiently control water flow for varied spray experiences and are not suitable for consumer shower environments due to their large-scale construction and high water usage.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead assembly with a housing, water distribution line, and electronically controlled valves that allow for precise control of water flow through multiple openings, utilizing pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques for user-adjustable spray experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large-scale industrial valves are used to produce visual imagery with water droplets, then spray pattern control capability is improved, but device size and water consumption increase making it unsuitable for consumer shower environments
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead is divided into multiple independently controllable valve assemblies, each with its own electronically controlled valve. This segmentation allows precise control of water flow to different spray outlets, enabling varied spray patterns while using only the necessary amount of water for each selected pattern, rather than consuming large volumes as in industrial systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronically controlled valves that can be dynamically adjusted via PWM (pulse-width modulation) to vary the duty cycle, enabling real-time control of water flow duration and intensity. This dynamic control allows the showerhead to adapt spray patterns and water consumption levels based on user preferences, resolving the contradiction between spray control versatility and water usage efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large-scale industrial valves are used to produce visual imagery with water droplets, then spray pattern control capability is improved, but device complexity increases making it unsuitable for consumer shower environments
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control function is segmented across multiple simple valve assemblies rather than using one complex industrial valve. Each valve assembly is a standardized, relatively simple unit that can be independently controlled, distributing the complexity across multiple identical modules rather than concentrating it in a single complex component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces large-scale mechanical industrial valves with electronically controlled valves actuated by solenoids and controlled via PWM signals. This substitution of mechanical control systems with electronic control reduces the physical complexity and size of the valve mechanism while maintaining or enhancing spray pattern control capability.
3Productivity
If electronically controlled valves with PWM control are used, then spray experience variety and water usage efficiency are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs PWM (pulse-width modulation) control where valves are opened and closed in periodic cycles with variable duty cycles. This periodic action allows precise control of average water flow by adjusting the proportion of time the valve is open versus closed, enabling efficient water usage while using simple on/off valve mechanisms controlled by timing signals rather than complex continuous control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurized showerhead assembly for generating various spray sequences includes a housing, a water distribution line, and a plurality of electronically controlled valves. The housing defines an interior cavity and a spray face. The spray face defines a plurality of openings. The water distribution line is disposed within the interior cavity. The valves are disposed within the interior cavity and are fluidly coupled to the water distribution line. The valves are distributed across the interior cavity and are configured to control a flow of water passing through the plurality of openings.