Gravity-Reset Showerhead Pivot Structure to Prevent Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showerheads often remain in adjusted angular positions, leading to water dripping issues during cleaning, especially in hotels, as they are not designed to automatically adjust to a horizontal position, making cleaning inconvenient and prone to water loss.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead structure featuring a ball assembly with a wearing proof sheet, locating ring, connection nut, and fixing nut, along with an irregular-shaped gasket, allows the showerhead to automatically adjust to a horizontal position due to gravity, preventing dripping by maintaining a clearance fit and utilizing the gasket for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the showerhead is fixed in an adjusted angular position, then the user can control the water direction, but the showerhead cannot automatically adjust to a horizontal position causing water dripping during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the showerhead can automatically return to a horizontal position through a reset mechanism. The ball assembly with wearing proof sheet and locating ring allows the showerhead to be adjusted to different angles during use, then automatically resets to horizontal position when not in use, preventing water dripping during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead incorporates a self-resetting mechanism that automatically returns the showerhead to its horizontal position without requiring manual intervention. The gravitational force combined with the ball assembly mechanism enables the showerhead to self-correct its position after being adjusted, eliminating the need for user action to prevent water dripping.
2Strength
If the wearing proof sheet is tightly fitted to the ball body, then the connection is secure, but the showerhead cannot rotate freely to adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different fit characteristics to different parts of the connection mechanism. The wearing proof sheet has a clearance fit with the ball body, allowing free rotation and position adjustment. The locating ring provides positional constraints to prevent excessive movement. This local differentiation of fit quality enables both secure connection and flexible adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes clearance fit between the wearing proof sheet and ball body, changing the interference parameter from negative (tight fit) to positive (clearance). This parameter change allows the showerhead to rotate freely for position adjustment while maintaining secure connection through the locating ring and gasket sealing mechanism.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used with compressed gaskets, then sealing is effective, but the structure becomes complex and automatic adjustment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the mechanical connection structure. Instead of using compressed gaskets that require tight fitting and complex assembly, the sealing is achieved through a separate gasket positioned between the wearing proof sheet and locating ring. This separation allows the connection structure to remain simple and enable automatic adjustment while maintaining effective sealing.
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 showerhead structure effectively prevents water from dripping by automatically adjusting to a horizontal position under its own weight, enhancing cleaning convenience and reducing water loss.
Implementation Method 1
the showerhead automatically adjusts to a horizontal position due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead structure that includes a spherical member having an internal fluid passage that extends in a longitudinal direction, a pivot assembly, and a showerhead assembly. The pivot assembly includes a sleeve encircling a first portion of the spherical member with a first gap between at least a part of the sleeve and the first portion; a locating ring encircling a second portion of the spherical member with a second gap between at least a part of the locating ring and the second portion; and a gasket disposed between the sleeve and the locating ring in the longitudinal direction, wherein a portion of the gasket contacts the spherical member. The showerhead assembly is freely rotatable relative to and about the spherical member through the pivot assembly, so that the showerhead automatically adjusts to a horizontal position due to gravity.