Push-Button Tub Shower Diverter With Retrofit Manifold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tub and shower diverters require manual rotation of a handle or actuator to start water flow, which can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially when redirecting water from a tub spout to a shower, as users must manually lift a diverter pin, which is not ergonomic.
Innovation Solution
A push-button tub and shower diverter assembly that allows users to set a water temperature range by turning a handle and selectively actuate push buttons to divert water flow between a tub and shower, using a manifold sub-assembly with separate flow control valves and a mixing valve to control temperature, and is designed for retrofitting existing systems without removing the waterway connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual diverter pin mechanism is used in conventional tub and shower diverters, then the system structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must manually lift the diverter pin which is difficult and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical diverter pin lifting mechanism with a push-button actuated valve system. The push buttons (104, 106) are mechanically linked to flow control valves (114a, 114b) through extensions (120a, 120b) and adapters (118a, 118b), allowing users to divert water flow by simply pressing buttons rather than manually manipulating a diverter pin. This substitution significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through the use of straightforward mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tolerance manifold design is used, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot accommodate different installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable tolerance adapters (118a, 118b) that allow the manifold assembly to adapt to different installation environments. These adapters can be adjusted to accommodate variations in wall thickness, escutcheon positioning, and push-button alignment, transforming a previously fixed-tolerance design into a dynamic, adjustable system. This enables the same manifold design to be installed in various environments without requiring custom manufacturing for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable tolerance parameters through the adapter design, allowing installers to modify the positional relationships between the manifold, escutcheon, and push buttons. By changing these parameters (positions, distances, alignments) through adjustment mechanisms rather than fixed manufacturing tolerances, the system achieves high adaptability to different installation conditions while maintaining proper valve actuation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The tub and shower diverter assembly includes an escutcheon, a manifold sub-assembly, and a handle assembly. The manifold sub-assembly is fluidly coupled to an existing waterway connector of an existing conventional tub and shower diverter system. The manifold sub-assembly includes a mixing valve at least partially disposed through the escutcheon and coupled to the manifold sub-assembly by a valve nut. The handle assembly is coaxially aligned with the mixing valve. The handle assembly includes a base insertably coupled to the valve nut and a handle rotatably coupled to the base. The handle is threadably coupled to the mixing valve. The escutcheon abuts a wall when the handle is threadably coupled to the mixing valve.