Multi-duct Jet Outlet Units for Versatile Shower Spray Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray devices lack the ability to set different spray jets easily and are difficult to clean due to the spacing and arrangement of outlet ducts.
Innovation Solution
A spray device with a fluid outlet structure featuring multi-duct jet outlet units, where the first and second outlet ducts are fluidically separated and arranged in close proximity, allowing for selective fluid distribution to achieve various spray jet patterns, and are designed for easy cleaning and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outlet ducts are arranged in close proximity to enable multiple spray jet patterns, then spray jet versatility is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to accumulated debris in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet ducts are segmented into multiple separate ducts within each jet outlet unit, allowing independent fluid supply to each duct. This segmentation enables different spray jet patterns by selectively activating specific ducts while maintaining close spacing between them, thus achieving versatility without compromising cleanability through proper structural division.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple outlet ducts are nested within a single jet outlet unit structure, with ducts arranged in close proximity but fluidically separated. This nesting allows multiple spray functions to be integrated into a compact unit that can be cleaned as a single assembly, resolving the contradiction between close spacing for versatility and ease of cleaning.
2Device complexity
If multiple outlet ducts are integrated into single jet outlet units, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to close spacing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outlet ducts are merged into a single jet outlet unit structure that functions as one integrated component. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple ducts into a single manufacturable unit, while the close spacing requirement is managed through standardized molding techniques and precise template-based positioning during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet outlet unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can supply fluid to multiple outlet ducts simultaneously or selectively. This universal design allows a single unit to perform multiple spray jet functions, reducing the overall number of separate components needed while maintaining precise spacing through standardized manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid is supplied to multiple outlet ducts simultaneously, then spray jet versatility is improved, but fluid guide complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid guide is segmented into separate channels that correspond to different outlet ducts, allowing independent control of fluid supply to each duct. This segmentation enables versatile spray jet patterns by selectively activating specific ducts through simple valve control without requiring complex fluid distribution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid guide system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms such as movable valves or adjustable flow distributors that can redirect fluid to different outlet ducts based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability provides spray jet versatility while keeping the overall fluid guide structure relatively simple through active rather than passive control.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spray device having a fluid outlet structure that forms a spray jet, said fluid outlet structure having a plurality of jet outlet units of which at least two are configured as multi-duct jet outlet units having in each case at least one first outlet duct and at least one second outlet duct fluidically separated from the first. Moreover, the spray device has a fluid guide which is designed to conduct a fluid supplied to the spray device selectively to the first outlet ducts or to the second outlet ducts. According to the invention, a minimum spacing (A12) between the outlet ducts of each particular multi-duct jet outlet unit (2) is smaller than a minimum spacing between the outlet ducts of in each case two multi-duct jet outlet units, and/or in at least one multi-duct jet outlet unit, a second outlet duct or a group of a plurality of second outlet ducts is arranged so as to surround a first outlet duct at least around a part of its circumference.