Rotatable Flow Rate Controller with Segmented Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower controllers can only provide a single outlet flow rate, limiting users' ability to choose preferred flow rates, thus lacking versatility in controlling water flow.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate controller with a pipe body and control assembly, featuring a rotatable member with multiple second flow holes of varying sizes that can align with a fixed first flow hole, allowing for adjustable water flow rates by rotating the member to different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional controller with single outlet flow rate is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited and users cannot choose multiple flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller divides the flow control function into multiple discrete flow holes (first flow hole, second flow hole, third flow hole) with different flow rates. Each flow hole represents a segmented flow rate option, allowing users to select different flow rates by aligning different flow holes with the water supply channel, thereby providing multiple flow rate options without requiring a completely complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller employs a rotatable member that can rotate to different positions to dynamically select which flow hole aligns with the water supply channel. This dynamic rotation mechanism allows the single controller to provide multiple flow rate options by changing its orientation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional controller requiring pulling outwardly to control flow is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced and cannot provide precise flow rate adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly features a rotatable member that can be easily rotated by hand to different positions, each position corresponding to a specific flow rate. This rotational operation is much easier and more precise than pulling outwardly, allowing users to select exact flow rates with a simple twisting motion while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow rate selector, a position indicator (with markings showing current setting), and a control mechanism all in one component. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow holes with different sizes are incorporated into a rotatable member, then multiple flow rates can be selected, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is segmented into discrete flow holes of different sizes, each providing a specific flow rate. This segmentation approach allows for standardized manufacturing of each flow hole position, making it easier to maintain precision during production and assembly compared to creating continuously variable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow holes are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during the manufacturing of the rotatable member, ensuring precise alignment before the component is assembled into the final product. This preliminary alignment action during manufacturing reduces the precision requirements during final assembly and ensures consistent flow rate delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate controller includes a pipe body and a control assembly. The pipe body includes a channel, a water supply opening and a water outlet opening, wherein the water supply opening is adapted to connect to a water supply pipe, and the water supply opening communicates with the water outlet opening through the channel. The control assembly includes a fixed member and a rotatable member, wherein the fixed member is fixedly positioned in the pipe body, and includes a first flow hole. The rotatably member is coaxially and rotatably connected to the pipe body, so that the rotatably member is rotatable relative to the pipe body. The rotatably member includes a plurality of second flow holes and a plurality of adjusting positions, wherein the second flow holes have different hole sizes to each other, and each of the adjusting positions is respectively corresponding to the corresponding one of the second flow holes. When the rotatable member rotates to one of the adjusting positions, the corresponding second flow hole overlaps the first flow hole.