Manual Bidet Sprayer Arm for Adjustable Water Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bidet features in toilets often incorporate expensive and complex components, such as electronic motors and control systems, which are not intuitively operated and do not adapt well to individual cleaning preferences.

Innovation Solution

A manually operated bidet assembly with a sprayer, water supply system, and a pivoting arm that allows users to control the direction and flow of water, eliminating the need for expensive components and enabling adaptable cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic motors and control systems are used in bidet features, then automated spray control and positioning are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated spray controlVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bidet system uses the user's own actions (sitting on the toilet seat, closing the lid) to trigger the spray function automatically, eliminating the need for separate control interfaces or complex electronic sensors. The weight-sensitive switch and lid switch convert user presence and actions into automatic spray activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with simple mechanical switches (weight-sensitive switch, lid switch) that directly trigger the spray pump. This mechanical approach reduces electronic components while maintaining automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electronic motors and control systems are used in bidet features, then automated spray control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated spray controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive components such as simple mechanical switches, a basic spray pump, and straightforward electrical wiring instead of expensive electronic motors and control systems. This approach prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing while achieving the desired automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes complex electronic control systems, power supply units, and精密 positioning mechanisms from the bidet design. By eliminating these expensive components and retaining only the essential spray function triggered by simple switches, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If fixed spray direction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to user needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray mechanism simplicityVSAvoidcleaning characteristic adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spray nozzle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position and angle dynamically. This enables the spray direction to adapt to different user preferences and anatomical positions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism without complex electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9283144B2Manual bidet

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

According to an exemplary embodiment, a bidet assembly for a toilet generally includes a sprayer, a water supply system, and an arm. The sprayer is configured to spray water. The water supply system is configured to selectively communicate water from one or more water sources to the sprayer. The arm is operationally coupled to the water sprayer and the water supply system. The arm is configured such that rotation of the arm acts to rotate the sprayer and the arm forger comprises a feature configured to allow control of the amount of water flow from the water supply to the sprayer.