Kitchen Sprinkler Mode Switching via Sliding Water Separator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen sprinklers have complex structures, large volumes, and complicated production processes due to the need for frequent detachment and replacement of sprinkler heads, leading to inconvenience, damage, and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A kitchen sprinkler design featuring a sprinkler body with a water separator and converter that allows for easy mode conversion between straight and spraying water discharge modes, utilizing a sliding sleeve, sealing rings, and a scattering head for uniform water distribution, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different sprinkler heads are detached and replaced to change water discharge mode, then water discharge mode conversion is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated, volume increases, and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge mode conversionVSAvoidoverall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sprinkler heads (straight discharge head and spraying discharge head) into a single integrated sprinkler body. The converter internally houses both types of discharge heads, eliminating the need for detachment and replacement. This merging approach maintains adaptability for mode conversion while significantly reducing structural complexity and assembly difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The converter is designed as a universal component that can accommodate both straight discharge and spraying discharge modes within a single unit. The converter body contains multiple cavities (first water separating cavity and second water separating cavity) that can switch between different discharge configurations, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate sprinkler heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different sprinkler heads are detached and replaced to change water discharge mode, then water discharge mode conversion is achieved, but the sprinkler heads are easy to fall off, be damaged or lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge mode conversionVSAvoidsprinkler head retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging both discharge head types into a single integrated converter, the patent eliminates the reliability issues associated with detachable sprinkler heads. The internal structure of the converter securely holds both straight and spraying discharge heads, preventing them from falling off, getting damaged, or lost during mode conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the straight discharge head and spraying discharge head are nested within the converter body. The converter cavity houses both types of heads, with each head having its own designated cavity. This nesting approach ensures secure retention of both discharge head types while enabling easy mode conversion through internal switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable sprinkler heads are used for mode conversion, then water discharge mode can be changed, but production cost increases due to production of non-performing products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge mode conversionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces production costs by merging multiple sprinkler heads into a single converter assembly. Instead of producing separate straight discharge sprinkler heads and spraying discharge sprinkler heads that may become defective or non-performing, the converter integrates both functions into one manufacturable unit, reducing material waste and production complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The converter serves as a universal component that provides both straight discharge and spraying discharge functions through its internal multi-cavity structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to produce and inventory multiple separate sprinkler head types, reducing manufacturing complexity and the cost associated with producing non-performing products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If detachable sprinkler heads are used for mode conversion, then water discharge mode can be changed, but assembly process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge mode conversionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the assembly process by merging both discharge head types into a single converter unit. The converter is assembled as one integrated component with internal cavities for both straight and spraying discharge heads, eliminating the need for separate assembly and attachment steps for multiple sprinkler heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nested structure of the converter, with both discharge heads housed within internal cavities, simplifies assembly. The converter body is assembled once with both discharge head types pre-positioned in their respective cavities, eliminating the need for repeated attachment and detachment operations that complicate the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables quick and convenient mode switching, reduces the risk of damage and loss of parts, simplifies the structure and assembly process, and lowers production costs while providing a practical and user-friendly experience.

Implementation Method 1

A lower end of the water separator is mounted within the water separating cavity and can move up and down. The water separator moving up is fitted and sealed with the first sealing ring through the convex ring at the upper end of the inner wall of the water separating cavity, so as to prevent the water in the water separating cavity from entering the annular flow channel through the water inlets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic flow control:

Implementation Method 2

A lower side of the water inlet is provided with a first sealing ring. A bottom surface of the water separating cavity is provided with a sealing gasket which can seal the inner flow channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3473342B1Kitchen sprinkler and kitchen faucet using same
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 BESTWARE HARDWARE PRODN CO LTD
  • EP3473342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473342B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473342B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A kitchen sprinkler and a kitchen faucet using same. The kitchen sprinkler comprises a sprinkler body (1) and a sprinkler head (2) provided with a spraying water outlet body and a V-shaped water outlet body. The sprinkler head (2) is provided with a water separator (3), and the water separator (3) is provided with an annular flow channel (301) and an inner flow channel (302) respectively in communication with the spraying water outlet body and the V-shaped water outlet body. The water separator (3), in the lower end of the outer wall thereof, is circumferentially provided with a plurality of water inlets (303) that are in communication with the annular flow channel, and the water inlets (303) are provided with a first sealing ring (304) on the lower side. The water outlet port of the sprinkler body (1) is connected to a converter (4), and the converter (4) is provided with a water separating cavity (401) which is in communication with the water outlet port of the sprinkler body (1). The lower end of the water separator (3) is mounted within the water separating cavity (401) and can move up and down. The water separating cavity (401) is provided, on the upper end of the inner wall, with a convex ring (402) which fits the first sealing ring (304). The water separating cavity (401) is provided, on the bottom, with a sealing gasket (403) which can seal the inner flow channel (302). Said sprinkler facilitates the switching of water discharging modes, is compact in structure and easy to use.