Hand Shower Diverter Valve Assembly for Accessible Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower systems require users to reach up to the shower arm to activate the diverter valve, making it difficult for shorter users or those who cannot reach to switch between the shower head and hand shower.
Innovation Solution
A diverter valve assembly that can be operated at the hand shower, featuring a valve member movable between positions to direct water flow between the shower head and hand shower inlets, with a biasing member for automatic reset and a method for retrofitting into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diverter valve is located at the shower arm, then the valve can be easily operated, but shorter users or users who cannot reach the shower arm cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve function is segmented from the shower arm location and relocated to the hand shower assembly. This allows the valve operation to be separated from the fixed shower arm position, enabling users of different heights to access and operate the diverter valve at the hand shower location instead of reaching up to the shower arm.
2Ease of operation
If a diverter valve assembly is added to enable hand shower operation, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve assembly is merged with the hand shower assembly, combining two functions (diverting water flow and housing the hand shower) into a single integrated unit. This reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the accessibility benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand shower assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the hand shower device and the diverter valve housing. The valve member inside the hand shower assembly performs the diverter function, making the assembly universal and multi-functional, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve member is movable between positions to direct water flow, then functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be movable by the user through simple manual operation at the hand shower. The biasing member automatically returns the valve to its default position after use, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms or additional actuators. The system serves itself by automatically resetting the valve position.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical valve control system is replaced with a simple movable valve member that can be easily actuated by the user. The biasing member provides automatic reset functionality, replacing the need for complex mechanical control systems or multiple moving parts while maintaining effective water flow direction control.
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
Enables users to easily switch between shower head and hand shower functions without needing to reach the shower arm, providing accessibility and convenience, while also allowing for easy retrofitting into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operable to bias the valve member from the second position toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A shower system and diverter valve assembly. The shower system includes two shower devices. The diverter valve assembly may include a pull diverter valve assembly coupled between a shower arm and a hand shower hose. In operation, by applying a force (e.g., a pulling force), the pull diverter valve assembly selectively directs water flow to the shower head or to the hand shower. The diverter valve assembly may include a toggle diverter valve assembly including a portion coupled to a hand shower.