Ergonomic Hand Shower with Integrated Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower fittings with pull-out sprays are often cumbersome and unergonomic, requiring one-hand operation to set water temperature and switch between jet types, leading to uncontrolled water spraying, especially when pulling out or reinserting the hand shower.
Innovation Solution
A shower fitting design featuring a handle-shaped hand shower with a connector piece forming a right angle, allowing easy grip and horizontal pull-out, combined with a mechanical switch and an electronically controlled system for temperature and flow regulation, enabling ergonomic operation with a push-button and rotary control for temperature and flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pull-out spray heads are used, then the hand shower can be pulled out for use, but the operation becomes cumbersome and unergonomic requiring multiple steps to adjust temperature and switch spray patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spray pattern switching function and temperature control into an integrated control unit on the hand shower handle. The control unit includes a first control element for switching between spray patterns (shower spray, jet spray, massaging spray) and a second control element for temperature adjustment, allowing both functions to be operated from a single location rather than requiring separate controls at the faucet body.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit on the hand shower serves multiple functions: it controls spray pattern selection, regulates water temperature, and manages water flow. This multi-functional integration allows the user to operate all critical functions from the hand shower itself, eliminating the need for separate controls at the faucet body and simplifying the overall operation sequence.
2Ease of operation
If the hand shower is pulled out while water is running, then the spray can be used, but water splashes out uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the user to pre-select the desired spray pattern using the control unit on the hand shower before pulling it out. The control unit stores the selected spray pattern setting, and when the hand shower is pulled out, the water flow automatically activates with the pre-selected spray pattern already configured, eliminating the need to switch patterns during the pulling action and preventing water splash.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spray pattern switching is performed on conventional pull-out shower heads, then different spray patterns can be selected, but the operation is awkward and can lead to uncontrolled splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is positioned on the hand shower handle within easy reach of the user's fingers. The first control element for spray pattern switching is specifically located on the side surface of the handle, allowing intuitive operation with the thumb or index finger while maintaining a firm grip on the handle. This local placement of controls eliminates the need to reach back to the faucet body for pattern switching.
4Temperature
If temperature adjustment is performed with conventional single-lever mixers, then water temperature can be set, but it must be done while water is running which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit on the hand shower includes a second control element that allows the user to adjust water temperature independently at the hand shower location. The user can pre-adjust the temperature to the desired level before activating water flow, or make adjustments during use without needing to return to the faucet body. This self-service temperature control at the point of use eliminates the inconvenience of temperature adjustment requiring running water at the main faucet.
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 design facilitates easy, ergonomic operation of the hand shower, allowing for precise control of water temperature and flow rate with one hand, reducing uncontrolled water spraying and enhancing user-friendliness by integrating a control signal generator connected via an electrical control line or short-range radio link.
Implementation Method 1
the flow control device comprises one or more electrically actuated proportional valves for regulating the flow rate and/or mixing temperature of a water flow
Implementation Method 2
a control unit for actuating the proportional valves. The control unit is configured to actuate the proportional valves based on control signals received from the control signal transmitter
Implementation Method 3
the hand shower has a mechanical switch, preferably a push-button switch, for switching between at least two different spray patterns
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
To specify an easy-to-use fitting with a pull-out spray head, a shower fitting comprising a fitting body (3), a flow control device (17), a pull-out hand shower (2), and a flexible hose (9) leading from the flow control device through the fitting body to the hand shower is provided that the hand shower is shaped as a downward-pointing handle, wherein the handle has a downward-opening handle end (6) which forms the water outlet of the hand shower, and wherein the hand shower has a mechanical switch (7), preferably a push-button switch, for switching between at least two different spray patterns, which is arranged on the side of the handle facing the fitting body.