Telescoping Shower Bar Supply Assembly for Variable Wall Depths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower systems face challenges in accommodating varying wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths, leading to installation difficulties and potential damage to the water supply pipe during installation.
Innovation Solution
The shower system features an adjustable supply assembly with a telescoping design, allowing the supply adapter to slide relative to the upper supply bracket, and a transfer valve assembly with a diverter stem that can rotate to accommodate different water supply pipe heights, ensuring secure and flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shower system is installed, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying wall thicknesses and pipe depths, leading to installation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the supply assembly telescopic and adjustable. The supply adapter can slide along the supply line within a telescopic range, and the assembly can be positioned at different heights on the wall. This dynamic adjustability allows the fixed structure to adapt to varying installation conditions such as different wall thicknesses and pipe depths, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to adjust the supply assembly position, then the assembly can be positioned correctly, but the water supply pipe may be damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic supply assembly allows for dynamic adjustment of position without requiring excessive force. The sliding mechanism and flexible positioning enable installers to achieve correct placement through gentle manipulation rather than forceful installation, thereby protecting the water supply pipe from damage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the supply assembly to be positioned at different heights and distances from the wall. This adjustability in positional parameters enables the assembly to be correctly positioned without applying damaging force to the pipe, as the system can adapt to the existing installation conditions rather than requiring forceful adaptation to a fixed position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supply assembly is made adjustable, then it can accommodate different installation conditions, but the sealing connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic supply assembly maintains sealing reliability despite its dynamic adjustability. The design incorporates sealing mechanisms that remain effective as the assembly moves between different positions, ensuring that the connection remains sealed throughout the range of motion and at various adjusted positions, thus maintaining reliability while providing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a shower system having first and second shower members and connectable to a water supply with a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The assembly includes an adjustable supply assembly and a diverter valve. The adjustable supply assembly includes an adapter coupleable to the pipe outlet, a supply member having a supply outlet and coupled to the adapter for movement along the axis, and a seal positioned to provide a sealed connection in adjusted positions. The diverter valve includes a valve inlet in fluid communication with the supply outlet, and first and second valve outlets in fluid communication with the first and second shower members, respectively. The shower system is mounted in an enclosure having a wall. The adapter connects to the pipe outlet on one side of the wall, and the diverter valve is located on another side of the wall.