Shower Device Adjustable Pipe Nesting Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower devices have fixed height and distance settings determined by the pipe dimensions, limiting user adjustability and flexibility, especially after installation.

Innovation Solution

A shower device design featuring a second water-carrying pipe with an axially extending recess in the first pipe, allowing for easy adjustment of the shower head's height and distance from the wall through a movable fixing device that can be switched between fixing and release positions, ensuring secure positioning and minimal friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shower head position is fixed by the pipe dimensions, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adjustability and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of shower head positionVSAvoidcomplexity of pipe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second pipe is nested inside the first pipe, with the second pipe having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the first pipe. This allows the second pipe to slide freely within the first pipe while maintaining a compact structure, enabling position adjustment without adding external complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element is designed to be movable between a fixing position (where it engages with the first pipe to secure the second pipe) and a release position (where it allows the second pipe to slide). This dynamic mechanism enables easy adjustment of the shower head position while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixing device is added to allow position adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting shower head positionVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is extracted as a separate, movable component from the pipe structure. It can be independently operated to engage or disengage from the first pipe, allowing the user to adjust the second pipe position without manipulating the entire pipe assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element acts as an intermediary between the first pipe and the second pipe. It provides a simple engagement interface that connects the two pipes when in the fixing position, while allowing easy disengagement for adjustment, thus simplifying the overall interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second pipe can move freely within the first pipe, then the adjustability is improved, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovability of second pipeVSAvoidsecurity of pipe connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element transitions between a fixed state (engaged with the first pipe) and a movable state (disengaged from the first pipe). When engaged, it securely holds the second pipe in position; when disengaged, it allows free movement for adjustment, thus providing both security and adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the shower head position can be easily adjusted, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fluid connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of position adjustmentVSAvoidfluid connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element provides a dynamic locking mechanism that secures the second pipe in its adjusted position while maintaining the fluid connection. The engagement of the fixing element with the first pipe ensures that the second pipe remains firmly in place, preventing any compromise to the fluid connection during normal use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3741466B1Shower device
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 IDEAL STANDARD INT
  • EP3741466B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3741466B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shower device comprising: - at least a first water-carrying pipe (1) having a jacket (2), and - a shower head (3) in fluid communication with the first pipe (1), characterized in that: - a second water-carrying pipe (4) is provided, which is arranged at least partially in the first pipe (1), and - an axially extending recess (5) is formed in the jacket (2) of the first pipe (1), and - a fixing device comprising at least one fixing element (6) is provided on the second pipe (4), which extends from the second pipe (4) through the recess (5), wherein the second pipe (4) is fixed in the first pipe (1) in a fixing position of the fixing element (6) and is movable towards the first pipe (1) in a release position of the fixing element (6).