Shower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower systems use high water volumes to produce continuous streams of water, failing to provide a satisfying shower experience at lower flow rates and do not simulate the sound and feel of rain, which some users prefer.
Innovation Solution
A shower assembly with a panel featuring a reservoir and holes that allow water to flow through by gravity, forming discrete drops that fall like rain, along with a stopper mechanism to control flow rates and a mounting system for adjustable installation, and a control system for managing water flow, temperature, and additional features like audio and lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional shower systems force water through nozzle holes to create continuous streams, then water flow rate is high, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous water stream into discrete drops by using a reservoir that accumulates water and releases it through multiple small holes in the bottom wall. Each hole produces individual drops that fall separately, creating a rain-like effect while reducing overall water consumption compared to continuous streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower system employs periodic action by allowing water to accumulate in the reservoir over time and then releasing it in periodic drops through the holes in the bottom wall. This intermittent release pattern, controlled by the reservoir fill and drain cycle, reduces water consumption while maintaining a satisfying shower experience.
2Productivity
If conventional shower systems provide continuous streams of water, then water flow is strong, but the rain-like experience is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow into discrete drops falling from multiple holes in the bottom wall, creating a rain-like visual and sensory experience. The segmentation of water into individual drops rather than continuous streams directly achieves the rain simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow characteristics at different locations: water accumulates in the reservoir body and then releases through specific holes in the bottom wall. Each hole produces drops with specific characteristics, and the overall pattern creates a rain-like experience in the shower area.
3Quantity of substance
If the reservoir fills completely with water, then water volume is maximized, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the reservoir to fill to a level sufficient to create the rain effect through the holes in the bottom wall, but not necessarily to complete fullness. The system provides adequate water volume for the desired effect while avoiding excessive water storage that would increase consumption.
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 shower assembly provides a realistic rain-like experience at lower water flow rates, allowing users to perceive a higher flow rate while using less water, and offers adjustable installation and enhanced showering features.
Implementation Method 1
water passes through the first plurality of holes by gravitational force, forms a drop at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes, and falls from the panel as a plurality of drops
Data Source
AI summary
A shower system includes a shower assembly and a mounting system. The shower assembly is configured to receive water from a water source and pass water through a plurality of outlets. The mounting system is for coupling the shower assembly to a building structure, and is configured to adjust the shower assembly. The mounting system includes a post and a fitting. The post is configured to fixedly couple to the building structure. The fitting is coupled to the shower assembly and adjustably received to the post, such that a vertical position of the shower assembly may be adjusted relative to the post and the building structure.