Oscillator Nozzle Showerhead for Automatic Spray Pattern Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing showerhead assemblies lack the adjustability and features desired by users, such as easy manipulation of nozzle sets, oscillating nozzles, and the ability to alter or rotate spray patterns based on user preferences, while also being handheld and mountable to a shower wall.
Innovation Solution
The showerhead assembly includes a mushroom-shaped finger lock for easy handling and mounting, a non-rotatable section with hollow primary and supplemental nozzles, and a rotatable section with oscillating nozzles, allowing for various spray patterns and orientations through a fluid tight connection and a gear train mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional multifunction showerhead with selector ring or dial is used, then multiple spray patterns are provided, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead automatically cycles through different spray patterns using an internal oscillating mechanism driven by water flow, eliminating the need for user manipulation of selector rings or dials. The system serves itself by using the incoming water pressure to drive the oscillation mechanism that switches between nozzle sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead incorporates an oscillating mechanism that dynamically switches between different nozzle sets (first set, second set, third set) to provide varying spray patterns. The nozzles oscillate between different orientations and active nozzle groups, creating dynamic spray pattern changes without requiring static selector mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If stationary spray heads with fixed jets are used, then the construction is simple, but the spray pattern cannot be adjusted or rotated based on user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead transforms the stationary fixed-jet design into a dynamic system where the nozzle assembly oscillates between different orientations and activates different nozzle sets. This oscillation mechanism is driven by the incoming water flow itself, maintaining simplicity while adding adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides multiple spray patterns through different nozzle sets, automatic oscillation between orientations, and the ability to deliver water to various locations. The oscillating mechanism serves multiple purposes by both orienting nozzles differently and selecting which nozzles are active.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spray nozzles are made adjustable to different positions and alignments, then spray coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually adjustable nozzles, the system uses an automatic oscillating mechanism that dynamically positions different nozzle sets at different orientations. The water-driven oscillation mechanism automatically cycles through various nozzle configurations, providing comprehensive spray coverage without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a handheld showerhead with mounting capability is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the mounting mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead is designed with universal mounting capability that allows it to function both as a handheld device and as a wall-mounted fixture. The mounting mechanism incorporates a finger lock engagement system that works in both modes, providing ease of operation whether held by hand or mounted on the wall.
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 solution provides enhanced user control over shower experiences, allowing for unique spray patterns and orientations, improved oscillating nozzle performance, and ease of use and mounting, addressing the limitations of existing showerhead assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a gear train including a propeller which drives gears, including a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet gear
Implementation Method 2
water flow through one or more water passageways into a cavity. The water then passes through the propeller 32, thereby causing the propeller 32 to rotate
Implementation Method 3
a pin is seated on the outer surface of the large-toothed gear 36 and engages with the pin slot 84 located on the cylindrical nozzle housing 82 so as to work in concert with the nozzle chamber system 80, ultimately leading to the nozzle's 27 oscillating motion
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead assembly is provided which includes a central cavity and one or more hollow oscillator nozzles which receive water from the central cavity. The showerhead assembly further includes an obstructor plate positioned within the central cavity. The obstructor plate is slidable within the central cavity and includes a pair of port holes adjacent to an oscillator nozzle. In addition, the showerhead assembly includes a gear mechanism within the cavity which slides the obstructor plate in an oscillating manner to alternatively align one of obstructor plate's two port holes with an oscillator nozzle while simultaneously blocking the alternative port hole so as to sequentially open and close each of the port holes. This sequentially opening and closing of the two port holes produces an oscillating spray. Preferably, the port holes are angled so as to provide the appearance that a resulting spray is moving back and forth.