Linear Showerhead Nozzles for Concealed Two-Dimensional Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray head assemblies for bath and shower applications often require space to achieve two-dimensional spray patterns, making them difficult to conceal and limiting the usable space in shower enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A spray head assembly with a linear arrangement of nozzles oriented in different directions, allowing for a non-linear spray pattern over a two-dimensional area, which can be inconspicuously positioned along the shower enclosure's corners, maximizing space and improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray head assemblies use a two-dimensional nozzle arrangement to achieve uniform water coverage, then spray pattern quality is improved, but the space required for installation increases and the device becomes difficult to conceal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional nozzle arrangement into a three-dimensional configuration where nozzles are positioned at different depths and angles within the showerhead body. This dimensional transition allows the nozzles to be compactly arranged while still projecting spray patterns that cover a two-dimensional area, thereby reducing the visible footprint and enabling concealed installation while maintaining spray quality
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head assembly embeds multiple nozzles within the internal structure of the showerhead body, nesting them in a compact manner. The nozzles are positioned within recesses or channels inside the body rather than extending outward, allowing the assembly to occupy minimal external space while maintaining functional spray coverage area
2Manufacturing precision
If spray head assemblies are positioned prominently to ensure adequate spray coverage, then water distribution is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible hardware
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the showerhead body are designed with specialized functions: the external surface is streamlined for aesthetics, while internal recesses and angled channels are positioned to optimize spray projection. This local differentiation allows the exterior to maintain a clean, concealed appearance while the internal geometry ensures uniform water distribution across the spray area
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are oriented at various angles and positioned at different depths within the body, creating a three-dimensional spray projection system. This allows water to be distributed uniformly across a two-dimensional target area while the nozzles themselves remain hidden within the showerhead's external form, preserving aesthetic appearance
3Area of stationary object
If linear nozzle arrangement is used to maximize space efficiency, then installation area is reduced, but achieving two-dimensional spray pattern becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
While the nozzles are arranged linearly along the showerhead body to minimize installation area, each nozzle is oriented at different angles and positioned at different depths. This creates a three-dimensional spray projection from a linear arrangement, achieving two-dimensional spray pattern coverage without requiring a two-dimensional nozzle layout
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are designed with adjustable or multi-directional orientation capabilities, allowing the spray direction of each nozzle to be dynamically optimized. This enables a linear arrangement of nozzles to produce a two-dimensional spray pattern by varying the projection angles and depths of individual nozzles within the linear sequence
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 solution provides uniform water coverage over a two-dimensional area, enhancing the bathing experience by maximizing space and concealing the spray head assembly from view, thus improving the overall aesthetic and functionality of the shower enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the plurality of nozzles is oriented in a different direction to provide a two-dimensional spray pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A spray head assembly includes a body and a plurality of nozzles. The body is configured to receive a supply of fluid. The plurality of nozzles are disposed on the body and fluidly connected to the body. The plurality of nozzles are arranged in a substantially linear row having at least three nozzles. The plurality of nozzles are positioned to produce a non-linear spray pattern over a distributed area at a focal length from the body. In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of nozzles directs the fluid in a flow stream to a different location across the distributed area without intersecting the flow stream produced by another one of the plurality of nozzles.