Faucet Spray Head Toggle Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water faucet systems consume excessive water and energy, particularly due to high flow rates being selected for most applications, which are not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A spray head with a flow setting mechanism that allows toggling between two distinct flow cross-sections, limiting the flow rate to a minimum for common applications while allowing a higher rate for specific needs, using a throttle valve actuated by a push mechanism with a spring return device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a high flow rate is selected at the water faucet, then the water supply is sufficient for all applications including filling vessels, but water and energy consumption increases excessively for common applications like washing hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flow setting means with multiple positions that allows the flow cross-section to be changed dynamically. The actuator enables switching between a first position (smaller flow cross-section D1) and a second position (larger flow cross-section D2), making the water flow rate adaptable to different application requirements rather than fixed at a high rate
2Quantity of substance
If a high flow rate is selected at the water faucet, then the water supply is sufficient for all applications, but water consumption increases excessively for common applications
Solution Approach 1:
The flow setting means with multiple positions enables dynamic adjustment of the flow cross-section. By switching between the first position (smaller cross-section D1) and second position (larger cross-section D2), the system adapts water flow to actual needs, reducing water consumption for common applications while maintaining sufficient supply when required
3Loss of energy
If a flow setting means with multiple positions is added to the spray head, then water and energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow control function into discrete positions rather than using a continuous adjustment mechanism. The flow setting means is segmented into at least two positions (first and second positions), each providing a specific flow cross-section, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving energy and water conservation
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
This design reduces water and energy consumption by allowing only the necessary flow rate for most applications while enabling higher rates when needed, thus optimizing resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
the push mechanism comprises a spring return device
Data Source
AI summary
A spray head (1) for a water faucet is (2) proposed that contains a line (3) for a liquid (4) having an inlet (5) and an outlet (6), a flow setting means (8) for setting a liquid flow rate through the line (3); an actuator (7) connected to the flow setting means (8); wherein the actuator (7) can be used to toggle the flow setting means (8) at least between a first position, in which the flow setting means (8) opens a first flow cross-section D1 (9) in the line (3), and a second position, in which the flow setting means (8) opens a second flow cross-section D2 (10) in the line (3), wherein a ratio V=D2/D1 is at least two.