Rotatable Oval Showerhead with Handle-Mounted Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showerheads are difficult to control with soapy hands and often produce circular spray patterns that do not effectively cover both the upper and lower torso, lacking the ability to rotate spray patterns for different user positions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld showerhead assembly with a rotatable showerhead and a controller within the handle allows for one-handed selection of various spray patterns, including an oval pattern that can be rotated from horizontal to vertical, using a combination of fixed and rotatable pipes and a diverter assembly to direct water flow through discrete pathways to different sets of spray holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a selector dial or button is provided on the showerhead faceplate, then multiple spray patterns can be selected, but it becomes difficult to operate with soapy hands and requires two hands for handheld showerheads
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented from the showerhead faceplate and relocated to the handle. This separation allows the control mechanism to be positioned where it can be easily accessed by the thumb or fingers of the hand holding the showerhead, eliminating the need for two hands and making operation feasible with soapy hands.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible conduit or hose connects the controller in the handle to the showerhead, serving as an intermediary that allows rotational movement and spray pattern selection without requiring the controller to be on the faceplate itself. This enables easy operation while maintaining multifunctionality.
2Device complexity
If a circular spray pattern is produced, then the showerhead structure is simple, but it cannot effectively cover both upper and lower torso simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The spray pattern is changed from a static circular pattern to a dynamic oval pattern that can be rotated. The rotatable showerhead assembly allows the oval spray pattern to be oriented vertically to cover both upper and lower torso, or horizontally for other positioning needs, providing adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray pattern is changed from a symmetric circular shape to an asymmetric oval shape. This asymmetric oval pattern, when rotated to vertical orientation, provides extended coverage in the vertical direction to cover both upper and lower torso, while maintaining a relatively simple showerhead structure.
3Device complexity
If the spray pattern is fixed in orientation, then the showerhead construction is simple, but it cannot be rotated to accommodate different user positions or spray directions
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead assembly is made dynamic by introducing a rotatable connection between the handle and showerhead. This allows the showerhead to be rotated to different orientations (vertical, horizontal, or intermediate angles) while maintaining a relatively simple construction using standard rotational joints or universal couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the spray pattern is made variable through the rotatable showerhead assembly. The showerhead can be rotated to change its angular orientation from fixed to adjustable, accommodating different user positions and spray directions without significantly complicating the overall construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld showerhead assembly is provided which provides for a plurality of spray patterns. In a preferred embodiment, the showerhead assembly provides for four spray patterns including an oval shaped spray pattern. The showerhead is rotatably attached to the handle so that the showerhead can be rotated relative to the handle without altering spray patterns, other than their orientation. Furthermore, the handheld shower assembly includes a push button controller located within the handle.