Handshower Slide Bar With Trigger Brake Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide bars for handheld showerheads are difficult to install and use, and their height adjustment mechanisms are complex and ergonomically deficient, making it challenging to optimize the shower spray height for different users, especially those with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A slide bar assembly with a longitudinally extending slide bar and a bracket assembly that includes a slider member with a brake assembly and a clamp/holder for the showerhead, allowing for easy adjustment and locking of the showerhead's position without requiring rotational force, along with a wall mounting assembly that is simple to install and hides the connection from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional slide bars with complex locking mechanisms are used, then the showerhead position can be adjusted, but the device becomes difficult to install and operationally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a trigger member with actuating surface, a brake pad, a spring member, and a release member. Each component performs a specific function, making the overall system easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining adjustability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static complex locking system to a dynamic spring-loaded brake system. The spring member automatically engages the brake pad with the slide bar to lock the position, and the trigger member dynamically releases this engagement when actuated, simplifying both installation and operation
2Reliability
If conventional ergonomic-deficient adjustment mechanisms are used, then the showerhead can be locked in position, but users with mobility issues find it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical rotation-based locking is replaced with a linear pressing action on the trigger member. This substitution changes the user interaction from requiring rotational force to requiring simple linear pressure, making it accessible to users with mobility limitations while maintaining secure locking through the brake pad-spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically provides the braking force to lock the showerhead position without requiring user effort. Once the trigger member is released after adjustment, the spring self-actuates to engage the brake pad, ensuring reliable locking without additional manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional slide bars are used, then the showerhead can be mounted, but installation on the shower wall is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the slide bar assembly and the wall mounting assembly. This allows the slide bar to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying manufacturing quality control while enabling flexible installation configurations on different wall types
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 easy installation and adjustment of the showerhead's height to accommodate different users, including those with health issues, while minimizing the complexity and cost of assembly, providing intuitive and ergonomic operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member, seated against a spring seat, can provide the biasing force
Implementation Method 2
a brake pad biased against the slide bar under a biasing force to inhibit the slider member from translating longitudinally along the slide bar
Data Source
AI summary
A slide bar assembly is provided having slide bar supporting a bracket assembly that is suitable to retain a handheld showerhead. A brake assembly releasably couples the bracket assembly to the slide bar via a user-actuated trigger in order allow the user to adjust the height of the showerhead by pressing the trigger. The slide bar assembly further includes a wall mounting assembly that is configured to connect the slide bar to the shower wall.