Multi Spray Pattern Showerhead with Automated Nozzle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi spray pattern showerheads require manual adjustment to change spray patterns, disrupting the pleasurable experience when used with female genitalia and limiting the ability to seamlessly experience multiple spray patterns.
Innovation Solution
A multi spray pattern showerhead assembly with a housing, outlet assembly, distributor assembly, and control circuit that selectively directs water flow to subsets of nozzles arranged in rows and columns, allowing for automatic switching between different spray patterns without user intervention, using electromechanical components and a processor to execute commands for controlling the water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual control ring adjustment is used to select spray patterns, then spray pattern selection capability is provided, but user enjoyment and continuity of experience deteriorates due to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead system performs spray pattern selection automatically without requiring manual user intervention. The control circuit receives signals and autonomously activates the appropriate nozzle subsets to deliver selected spray patterns, allowing the system to serve itself in the selection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control ring system with an automated electronic control circuit that receives signals (manual or automatic) and electronically actuates electromagnetic or piezoelectric valves to control water flow to different nozzle subsets, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and manual adjustment.
2Device complexity
If single spray pattern is provided at a time, then simplicity of design is maintained, but versatility and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is divided into multiple subsets of nozzles, where each subset can be independently activated. The control circuit selectively opens specific subsets based on the selected spray pattern, allowing multiple spray patterns to be achieved through combinatorial activation of segmented nozzle groups without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead system is designed to provide multiple spray patterns using a single unified structure. The same nozzle assembly and water supply system serve multiple functions by selectively activating different subsets of nozzles, allowing one device to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate spray mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If automatic multi-spray pattern system is implemented, then user enjoyment and continuity are improved, but device complexity increases due to control circuit and electromechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit serves as an intermediary between the water supply system and the nozzle subsets. It receives selection signals and translates them into appropriate valve actuation commands, mediating the control function to simplify the overall system architecture while enabling automated multi-pattern capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic or piezoelectric valves controlled by the control circuit to regulate water flow to different nozzle subsets. These valves use electrical or piezoelectric fields to control fluid flow, enabling automated spray pattern selection through non-mechanical means that reduce moving parts and simplify the control mechanism.
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
Enables continuous and seamless experience of multiple spray patterns without manual adjustment, enhancing user enjoyment by automating the selection and switching of spray patterns, allowing users to determine and select from various series of patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The distributor assembly comprises at least an electromechanical component for selectively providing the water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A multi spray pattern showerhead assembly is provided. The multi spray pattern showerhead assembly comprises a housing having an inlet port at a first end thereof. The inlet port is adapted for mounting to a water source connection. An outlet assembly is mounted to a second end of the housing. The outlet assembly comprises a plurality of nozzles. A distributor assembly is connected to the outlet assembly. The distributor assembly is adapted for receiving a water flow from the inlet port and for selectively providing the water flow to at least one subset of the plurality of nozzles. A control circuit is connected to the distributor assembly. The control circuit being adapted for controlling the distributor assembly such that the distributor assembly provides the water flow selectively to a series of different subsets of the plurality of nozzles.