Interleaved Multi-Function Showerhead Nozzle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-function showerheads with discrete nozzle zones result in dead zones, leading to incoherent and unbalanced spray patterns, causing an unpleasant showering experience due to poor water coverage.
Innovation Solution
The showerhead design features interleaved first and second sets of nozzles, forming curves that occupy the same zone without dead zones, ensuring coherent and balanced water distribution across different fluid delivery functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete zones/regions are used for different nozzle sets, then water delivery functions are differentiated, but dead zones are created resulting in poor water coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are segmented into multiple sets (first nozzles, second nozzles, third nozzles) with each set providing different water delivery functions. The segmentation is achieved by grouping nozzles into concentric zones while ensuring overlapping coverage areas, allowing functional differentiation without creating dead zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane nozzle arrangement to a multi-dimensional concentric zone structure. By arranging nozzles in multiple concentric circles with overlapping radial and tangential patterns, the system adds dimensional complexity that eliminates dead zones while maintaining functional differentiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete zones/regions are used for different nozzle sets, then water delivery functions are differentiated, but spray pattern coherence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzle sets that were previously separated into discrete zones are merged into an integrated concentric zone structure. The first, second, and third nozzles are combined in overlapping patterns within the same face area, creating a unified spray field that maintains coherence across different water delivery functions.
3Device complexity
If a single water delivery function is selected, then nozzle complexity is reduced, but water coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead face is designed with universal coverage capability where multiple nozzle sets (first, second, third nozzles) are arranged to provide overlapping coverage areas. This allows any single water delivery function to utilize the entire face area effectively, making each function universally applicable across the full coverage zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function showerhead has at least a first set of nozzles forming first curves and a second set of nozzles forming second curves. The showerhead discharges water through the first curves when a first water delivery function is selected and through the second curves when a second water delivery function is selected. The first curves and the second curves are interleaved so that a coherent and balanced spray pattern is provided resulting in a pleasant showering experience, regardless of the selected water delivery function.