Offset Showerhead Filter Manifold Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower filter assemblies either extend the showerhead into the shower stall undesirably or require complex disassembly for filter cartridge replacement, making them inconvenient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A shower filter assembly with a manifold positioned between the showerhead and fluid inlet conduit, allowing easy access and replacement of the filter cartridge without disconnecting the shower filter from the shower arm or showerhead, utilizing a bayonet-style connection with tabs and grooves for secure engagement and seals for a water-tight connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an in-line shower filter is used between the shower arm and showerhead, then filtration function is provided, but the showerhead position moves further into the shower stall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidshowerhead extension into shower stall

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is reoriented from a horizontal in-line configuration to a vertical offset configuration. The filter cartridge is positioned vertically below the manifold, which is connected to the shower arm, allowing the showerhead to remain in its original position while the filter provides filtration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the filter cartridge is enclosed within a canister for vertical offset configuration, then showerhead extension is minimized, but complex disassembly is required to replace the filter cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshowerhead extension into shower stallVSAvoidfilter cartridge replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is divided into separable components: the manifold (connected to shower arm and showerhead) and the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge can be independently removed from the manifold by unscrewing it from the bottom, allowing easy replacement without disconnecting the shower arm or showerhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cartridge is extracted from a fully enclosed canister design, allowing it to be partially exposed and independently accessible. The cartridge can be removed from the bottom of the manifold without requiring disassembly of the entire filter assembly or connection to the shower system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the filter cartridge is partially exposed from the manifold, then easy removal and replacement is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cartridge replacementVSAvoidmanifold and cartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of accessing the filter cartridge from the top or requiring disassembly of the manifold, the cartridge is designed to be accessed and removed from the bottom. The manifold has an open bottom structure that allows the cartridge to be unscrewed and removed vertically downward, simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Minimizes showerhead extension into the shower stall while enabling easy filter cartridge replacement without disassembly, ensuring a secure and reliable filtration system with reduced maintenance complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

The filter cartridge includes a housing having a filter inlet and a filter outlet. The housing is connectable with the manifold to place the filter inlet in fluid communication with the internal outlet on the manifold, and the filter outlet in fluid communication with the internal inlet on the manifold. The filter cartridge additionally includes a filtration element located within the housing. The filter cartridge has a flowpath from the filter inlet, through the filtration element, and then through the filter outlet.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11192134B2Offset showerhead filter

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 FARLEY DAVID K

AI summary

A shower filter assembly includes a manifold having an external inlet and outlet, and internal inlet, and an internal inlet and outlet. The external outlet is fluidly connectable to the showerhead. An internal flowpath extends between the internal inlet and the external outlet. A manifold collar extends around the internal outlet and the internal inlet. A filter cartridge is engageable with the manifold, and includes a housing having a filter inlet and outlet. The filter inlet is placeable in fluid communication with the internal outlet on the manifold, and the filter outlet is placeable in fluid communication with the internal inlet on the manifold. The housing is sized to at least partially extend beyond the manifold collar when the housing is connected to the manifold. The filter cartridge has a flowpath from the filter inlet, through a filtration element, and then through the filter outlet.