Operating-Handle Shower System With Ball-Joint Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead shower heads have fixed installation heights, making it difficult for shorter users to adjust the angle, and their complex structures and metal parts are prone to rust in humid environments.
Innovation Solution
A shower system with a positioning member, ball joint, and control mechanism featuring a handle portion and detachable control mechanism for angle adjustment, simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronically-controlled or mechanically-controlled adjustment mechanism is provided, then the angle adjustment function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the overhead shower head body and places it on a separate handle portion. This separation allows the main shower head structure to remain simple while the control function is independently implemented on the handle, resolving the contradiction between adjustment functionality and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower system is divided into distinct segments: the overhead shower head body, the ball joint, and the handle portion with control mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the shower head remains structurally simple while the handle provides the necessary control functions.
2Strength
If metal parts are used in the adjustment mechanism, then the strength and durability are improved, but the rust resistance deteriorates in humid environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a ball joint system that uses spherical geometry and gravity-assisted positioning. This substitution eliminates complex metal-to-metal mechanical connections that are prone to rust, while maintaining adjustment functionality through the ball joint's inherent mechanical properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If the installation height is fixed, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different user heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the ball joint mechanism, which allows the overhead shower head to be positioned at various angles and heights within a range. This dynamic capability enables short users to adjust the shower head to a lower, more accessible position, while maintaining simple fixed installation mounting points.
4Ease of operation
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided, then the angle adjustment capability is improved, but the disassembly and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the control mechanism to a separate handle portion that attaches to the shower head body, the patent enables independent removal of the handle without disassembling the entire shower head assembly. This resolves the contradiction by allowing easy angle adjustment through handle manipulation while simplifying maintenance through modular separation.
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
The system allows easy angle adjustment for users of varying heights, reduces complexity, and minimizes rust issues, enhancing user experience and market competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The ball joint is installed at an outlet end of the water supply passage. The inlet end of the overhead shower head is pivotally connected to the ball joint.
Implementation Method 2
The positioning member has a water supply passage therein. The control mechanism is disposed on the handle portion and configured to control the inlet end of the overhead shower head to be in communication with an outlet end of the overhead shower head.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower system having an operating handle includes a positioning member, a ball joint, an overhead shower head, and a control mechanism. The positioning member has a water supply passage therein. The overhead shower head has an inlet end pivotally connected to the ball joint. The overhead shower head includes a handle portion protruding from a surface of the overhead shower head. The control mechanism is disposed on the handle portion and configured to control the inlet end of the overhead shower head to be in communication with an outlet end of the overhead shower head. The shower system is suitable for users of different heights, easy to operate, simple in structure and low in cost.