Rotating Seal Lip Diverting Device for Sanitary Shower Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary shower systems require high operating forces and are dependent on liquid pressure, making them less user-friendly and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing and conversion element that allows for the rotation of sealing lips to change the flow path of a sanitary shower, reducing the torque required to operate and improving ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valves are used in the pipe system to direct liquid flow, then the flow path can be switched between different jet formers, but high operating forces are required due to fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the valve body into separate sealing lips that can be independently actuated. The switching element features multiple sealing lips at different positions, allowing selective engagement with individual outlet inlets. This segmentation reduces the force required to switch flow paths by isolating the actuation force to only what is needed to move the lightweight switching element, rather than overcoming fluid pressure on entire valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing lips act as intermediaries between the switching element and the fluid flow. Instead of directly controlling fluid flow with high pressure, the switching element with sealing lips indirectly controls flow by selectively blocking or unblocking outlet inlets. The sealing lips transfer the mechanical motion of the switching element into flow control, mediating between the low-force actuation and the high-pressure fluid system.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing mechanisms are used to ensure tightness, then high fluid pressure can maintain seal integrity, but the torque required to rotate the switching element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static seal to a dynamic seal with sealing lips that can flex and adapt. The sealing lips are designed to be deflectable, allowing them to dynamically adjust to the switching element's position and maintain contact. This dynamic sealing approach maintains tightness across different rotational positions without requiring high torque to press the seal against the outlet inlet, as the sealing lips self-adjust to maintain contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach changes from relying on high fluid pressure to maintain seal integrity to using geometrically optimized sealing lips with specific contact angles and surfaces. The sealing lips are designed with angled contact surfaces that convert the rotational motion into effective sealing contact, reducing the torque required while maintaining reliable tightness through optimized geometric parameters rather than high pressure.
3Ease of operation
If high fluid pressure is used to operate the valve, then the flow path can be switched, but the operation becomes dependent on fluid pressure reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is designed to be actuated by the user through a simple rotational motion, and the sealing lips automatically perform the sealing function without requiring additional force from the user. The system serves itself by using the switching element's position to automatically engage or disengage the sealing lips from the outlet inlets, eliminating the need for the user to overcome fluid pressure directly. The fluid pressure itself can help maintain the seal once engaged, making the system self-regulating.
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 device achieves high tightness with low fluid pressure and reduces the torque needed to rotate the conversion element, enhancing user comfort and operational efficiency of the sanitary shower.
Implementation Method 1
each seal comprises at least one sealing lip; and a switching element that bears against the sealing lips
Implementation Method 2
a switching element that bears against the sealing lips and is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis for switching the flow path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1) for diverting a flow path (2) of a liquid of a sanitary shower (3), having at least: - a housing (4) having at least one feed (5) and a plurality of drains (6, 7, 8), wherein the drains (6, 7, 8) each have a drain inlet (9, 33, 34) with a seal (10, 38, 39) and wherein the seal (10, 38, 39) comprises at least one sealing lip (11); and - a diverting element (12) which bears on the sealing lips (11) and is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (13) in order to divert the flow path (2).