Push-Button Shower Diverter Assembly for Easy Retrofit Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tub and shower diverters require manual rotation of a handle or actuation of a diverter pin to redirect water flow, which can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially for users who need to divert water from a tub spout to a shower.
Innovation Solution
A push-button tub and shower diverter assembly that includes a manifold sub-assembly with separate flow control valves and a mixing valve, allowing users to set water temperature and selectively divert water flow between a tub and shower using push buttons integrated into the escutcheon, eliminating the need for manual handle rotation or diverter pin actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handle rotation or diverter pin actuation is used, then water flow can be redirected between tub and shower, but the operation becomes difficult and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical handle rotation or diverter pin actuation system with a push-button actuation system. The push buttons (104, 106) are connected to flow control valves (114a, 114b) through axial force transmission, allowing users to divert water flow by simply pressing buttons rather than rotating handles or manipulating pins. This substitution significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining functional simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If push-button actuation system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mixing valve (122) that serves multiple functions: it controls water temperature and works in conjunction with the flow control valves (114a, 114b) to manage water distribution. The flow control valves are integrated into the manifold sub-assembly (110), which also includes the mixing valve, creating a multi-functional system where components serve both temperature control and flow diversion purposes, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tolerance adjustors (118a, 118b) as intermediary components between the push buttons (104, 106) and the flow control valves (114a, 114b). These tolerance adjustors transmit axial force from the push buttons to the valves and provide adjustment capability to accommodate variations in wall thickness and installation depths. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by decoupling the actuation interface from the valve mechanism, allowing for easier installation and operation despite the presence of multiple valves.
3Ease of manufacture
If retrofitting is performed without replacing waterway connector, then installation ease is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable tolerance adjustors (118a, 118b) that can be modified during installation to accommodate variations in wall thickness and installation depths. These adjustors allow the system to adapt dynamically to different installation conditions without requiring replacement of the entire waterway connector, thus maintaining ease of retrofitting while improving adaptability to various building configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance adjustors (118a, 118b) enable parameter adjustment of the axial distance between the push buttons (104, 106) and the flow control valves (114a, 114b). By changing this parameter, the system can accommodate different wall thicknesses and installation depths, allowing for versatile retrofitting installation without requiring complete system replacement.
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.