Handheld Shower Coupling Mechanism with Audible Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld shower systems are difficult for users to operate, particularly when switching between fixed and handheld modes, due to alignment and seating issues, leading to improper engagement and potential drooping or detachment of the showerhead.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing assembly with a coupling mechanism that provides audible and tactile verification of engagement, featuring a male and female component with radial movement and a retention flange for intuitive alignment and secure attachment, allowing easy conversion between modes without visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple bracket is used to support the handheld shower, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment and seating difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates audible feedback through a cam mechanism that produces a clicking sound when the handheld shower is properly aligned and seated in the bracket. This auditory signal guides the user to complete the coupling action, resolving the alignment difficulty without adding complex visual indicators or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with a cam mechanism that automatically guides the handheld shower into proper alignment and secure seating. The user simply needs to insert the shower, and the self-aligning cam mechanism completes the coupling action, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in switching modes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses a dynamic cam design that provides different mechanical characteristics during insertion versus removal. During insertion, the cam guides and secures the handheld shower with positive engagement. During removal, the cam geometry allows easy release with a simple pulling motion, enabling reliable yet easy mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional zones: an alignment guide section, a secure engagement section with the cam mechanism, and a release section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, providing both secure engagement and easy release.
3Measurement precision
If visual inspection is required to verify proper seating, then the measurement precision of engagement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates especially in wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual verification with audible feedback through the cam mechanism. When the handheld shower is properly seated, the cam produces a distinct clicking sound that confirms correct engagement. This eliminates the need for visual inspection, which is problematic in wet shower environments, while maintaining high verification accuracy.
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
Facilitates quick and secure switching between fixed and handheld modes with audible feedback, ensuring reliable coupling and decoupling, even in wet conditions, and allows for flexible positioning and rotation, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pin supported for radial movement within the recess between a first radially inner position extending at least partially into the recess, and a second radially outer position
Implementation Method 2
The at least one pin can be biased towards the first radially inner position
Implementation Method 3
The at least one pin can include a shoulder for limiting further radially inward movement of the pin beyond the first radially inner position, the shoulder adapted to contact a surface of the receiver to produce audible feedback when the at least one pin is received in the circumferential recess of the male portion
Implementation Method 4
The handheld dispenser can further include a retention flange adapted to engage a lip of receiver
Implementation Method 5
The handheld dispenser can further include a protrusion extending from the handheld dispenser at a location between the retention flange and the recess, the protrusion cooperating with a receiver recess for centering the handheld dispenser relative to the receiver when the retention flange is engaged with the lip
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispensing assembly including a handheld dispenser, a receiver mountable to an outlet pipe, a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the handheld dispenser with the receiver. The coupling mechanism can include a male component adapted to be received in a female component, and a retention flange adapted to engage the receiver to assist in retaining the dispenser in a coupled state.