Movable Nozzle Sitz Bath for Intimate Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washbasins require high coordination and skill to adjust the liquid jet for intimate hygiene, making the process difficult and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A washbasin with a movable nozzle for dispensing liquid, integrated with a thermostatic mixer and manually or electrically operable valves, allowing for controlled and directed liquid delivery without user movement, and a method to convert conventional washbasins to include these features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pivoting fluid outlet is used in the washbasin, then the liquid jet can be directed to different body parts, but the user must have high coordination and dexterity to correctly adjust the fluid jet during intimate hygiene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to direct liquid jet to different body partsVSAvoidcoordination and dexterity required to adjust fluid jet
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle moves automatically through the liquid stream to position itself for optimal cleaning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user. The liquid flow itself drives the nozzle movement and positioning, making the system self-regulating and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated liquid-driven movement system. Instead of requiring user hand movements to pivot the outlet, the liquid stream itself propels and positions the nozzle automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the nozzle is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the user must move their body to different positions on the basin to access different cleaning areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiduser movement required to access cleaning areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically movable position, driven by the liquid stream. This allows the cleaning device to adapt its position automatically, eliminating the need for user body movement while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid stream itself is used as the driving force to move the nozzle, utilizing hydraulic principles. The flowing liquid provides both the cleaning function and the actuation mechanism for nozzle movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If a movable nozzle is added to the washbasin, then intimate cleansing is facilitated without user coordination, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintimate cleansing easeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle movement is self-driven by the liquid flow, requiring no additional motors, actuators, or control systems. The liquid stream simultaneously performs cleaning and actuation functions, minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic system uses the existing water supply infrastructure and liquid stream to drive nozzle movement, avoiding the need for separate power sources or complex mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Facilitates easier and more effective intimate hygiene by eliminating the need for user coordination in directing the liquid jet, enhancing cleaning efficiency and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one nozzle can be moved, in particular automatically, by the liquid, by a liquid pressure of the liquid, and/or in a linear direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4461888A1Seat wash basin and method for retrofitting a seat wash basin
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 GROHE AG
  • EP4461888A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4461888A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4461888A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sitz bath (1) comprising at least: - a basin (2) with a liquid drain (3); and - a shower device (4) with at least one nozzle (5, 6) for dispensing a liquid for intimate cleansing, wherein the at least one nozzle (5, 6) is movable. Furthermore, a method for converting a sitz bath (1) is proposed.