Pivoting Shower Seat with Integrated Multi-Angle Nozzle System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower systems often restrict users to standing positions and lack flexibility in directing water flow, limiting the bathing experience.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable shower system that allows users to switch between standing and seated positions, with adjustable nozzles and waterways to direct water flow from multiple angles, including a hinged seat and integrated controls for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional shower system is designed for standing users only, then the structure is simple and fixed, but the adaptability and user comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shower system employs a hinged seat that can pivot between a stored position (flush with the wall) and a deployed position (perpendicular to the wall), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This hinge mechanism allows the system to adapt between serving standing and seated users without requiring multiple separate installations, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through a single mechanical joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve both standing users (with the seat in stored position) and seated users (with the seat deployed). The water delivery system also adapts to provide water flow appropriate for either configuration. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require separate shower and bidet installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water flow is directed from a fixed overhead position, then the system is simple, but the flexibility in bathing experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is segmented into multiple independent nozzles positioned at different locations and angles. Rather than a single overhead showerhead, the system divides water delivery into several discrete points that can be independently controlled or activated, allowing flexible water flow direction adjustment for both standing and seated configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system is designed to be reconfigurable, with nozzles that can direct water flow dynamically based on the seat position. When the seat is deployed, the water flow pattern adjusts to accommodate seated users; when the seat is stored, the system optimizes for standing users. This dynamic adaptation provides flexibility without requiring manual adjustment of each nozzle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is permanently fixed in position, then the installation is simple, but the reconfigurability between standing and seated modes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is attached to the wall via a hinge mechanism rather than being permanently fixed, enabling it to pivot between a stored position (parallel with the wall) and a deployed position (perpendicular to the wall). This dynamic mechanical connection provides reconfigurability while maintaining structural integrity and supporting user weight when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the seat extend outward from the wall, the design inverts the approach by having the seat fold flat against the wall when not in use, similar to how a door folds when closed. This inversion maximizes space utilization and maintains a clean wall-mounted appearance while enabling seat deployment when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shower system includes shower frame, a plurality of nozzles, and a shower seat. The shower frame includes a plurality of substantially coplanar frame segments forming at least part of a perimeter of the shower frame. The plurality of nozzles are distributed across the plurality of substantially coplanar frame segments and configured to spray water inward from the perimeter of shower frame. The shower seat is pivotally connected to the shower frame and configured to pivot between a seated position in which the shower seat is substantially perpendicular to the shower frame and a standing position in which is substantially parallel to the shower frame.