Portable shower apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-road vehicle users lack a portable and durable shower apparatus that can efficiently provide a showering solution, especially considering the constraints of space and power availability in these vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A portable shower apparatus comprising a sealed plastic water container with a pump, fill port, and outlet, designed to fit within a specific cage for compact storage, equipped with a 12V electric pump, rechargeable battery, and optional heater element, allowing for easy water pumping and heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable shower apparatus is designed for off-road vehicles, then it provides showering capability in remote areas, but it increases device complexity and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshowering capability in remote areasVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shower apparatus is designed to nest within a cage structure when not in use. The container fits inside the cage, and the spray gun and hose can be stored within the cage or attached to it, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces space requirements in the off-road vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: the pump provides both water pressure for showering and can potentially serve other fluid transfer needs, the heater element can heat water for showering or other purposes, and the cage structure serves as both storage and mounting framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a sealed water container is used, then water supply reliability is improved, but filling and emptying becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply reliabilityVSAvoidfilling and emptying mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water container is designed with separate openings for filling and emptying, allowing these operations to occur independently without compromising the sealed nature of the container during normal operation. The pump system is also segmented into electric and manual modes, allowing independent selection of pumping methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump acts as an intermediary device that can operate in multiple modes (electric or manual) to transfer water from the sealed container to the spray gun, maintaining the sealed integrity of the container while enabling water supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a pump system is integrated, then water pumping capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pumping capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the user to switch between electric pump mode (when power is available) and manual pump mode (when power is unavailable or to conserve energy). This dynamic adaptability optimizes power consumption based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual pump capability allows the system to service itself without external power, enabling water pumping through human effort when electrical power is not available, thus reducing overall power consumption requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Temperature

If heating capability is added, then shower comfort is improved, but energy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater heating capabilityVSAvoidenergy requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system allows adjustment of temperature parameters based on available power and user needs. The heater element can be controlled to provide different levels of heating, and the system can operate without heating when energy conservation is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The heating capability is dynamically controllable, allowing the user to activate heating only when needed and when sufficient power is available, rather than operating continuously or at fixed power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus provides a compact, durable, and efficient showering solution for off-road vehicles, ensuring reliable water supply and heating, even in remote areas, with the pump and battery setup enabling operation independent of external power sources.

Implementation Method 1

a pump. In use, the pump pumps water from within the container via the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

optional heater element, allowing for easy water pumping and heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule Heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240188761A1Portable shower apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 FULLARD HARRISON

AI summary

Portable shower apparatus comprises a sealed water container a fill port through the container an outlet and a pump. The pump pumps water from within the container via the outlet.