Portable Foot Shower With Toe-Actuated Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable foot shower devices are not simple, inexpensive, or effectively designed for cleaning feet before entering swimming pools, houses, cottages, campers, or RVs, lacking innovative features for user convenience and water control.
Innovation Solution
A portable foot shower with a rigid plastic base, dual top push actuators for controlling a swivel shower spray head, and a water regulator assembly, featuring a simulated wood grain pattern and constructed from plastic injection molding, allowing for easy water management and user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional foot shower devices are used, then basic foot cleaning function is provided, but they lack user convenience and effective water control features
Solution Approach 1:
The foot shower system enables self-service operation where the user's foot movement automatically triggers water flow control. The actuator mechanism detects when the user places their foot on the base and automatically activates water dispensing, eliminating the need for manual controls or complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simplified sensor-based actuator mechanism. Instead of using multiple valves, switches, or manual controls, the system uses a foot-activated sensor that triggers electronic or pneumatic control, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple and inexpensive devices are used, then cost is reduced, but effectiveness for cleaning feet is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foot shower device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a base member for support, a water regulator assembly for flow control, a swivel shower spray head for directional adjustment, and a actuator mechanism for automatic activation. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes while ensuring reliable performance of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the water regulator assembly to optimize cleaning effectiveness. By adjusting water flow rate, pressure, and temperature parameters through the regulator, the system achieves effective foot cleaning without requiring expensive high-pressure pumps or complex heating systems, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spray direction is used, then device structure is simplified, but user adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shower spray head is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the user to change the spray direction and angle during operation. The swivel mechanism enables the spray head to rotate and pivot, adapting to different foot positions and cleaning requirements, while the design keeps the mechanical elements simple and maintenance-free.
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 provides a convenient, affordable, and effective means for cleaning feet, with adjustable water flow and easy operation, enhancing user safety and hygiene before entering various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a water regulator assembly operably interconnected with said swivel shower spray head and said base member for conveying water to said portable foot shower
Implementation Method 2
said base member being provided with dual top push actuators for controlling starting, running and stopping of water from said swivel shower spray head
Implementation Method 3
a swivel shower spray head operably interconnected with said base member
Data Source
AI summary
A portable foot shower as disclosed comprising a base member for supporting the user's feet and an operably interconnected swivel shower spray head for washing dirt and particulate from the user's feet through a plurality of slots in the base. The portable foot shower includes a water dispensing assembly with dual top push actuators operated by the toes of the user for controlling the starting, running, and stopping of water from a suitable source. The swivel spray shower head is interconnected with a water regulator assembly through which a water sources rate of flow is regulated.