Shower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower systems use high water volumes to produce continuous streams of water, failing to simulate the experience of rain, which some users prefer for its sound and feel.
Innovation Solution
A shower assembly with a panel featuring a reservoir and holes that allow water to flow through, forming drops under gravitational force, and a control system to manage flow rates and outlet configurations, enabling the user to select between drop and stream modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional shower systems force water through nozzle holes to create continuous streams, then water flow is provided, but water volume consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating intermittent water drops instead of continuous streams. The shower system releases water in discrete droplets at controlled intervals, simulating natural rain patterns. This periodic discharge mechanism reduces overall water consumption while maintaining shower quality through the rhythmic pattern of falling drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous water flow into discrete droplets. Instead of forcing water through nozzles to create unbroken streams, the system divides the water into individual drops that fall separately. This segmentation allows for precise control of water usage while creating a more natural rain-like shower experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shower systems provide continuous streams of water, then water delivery is achieved, but the feel of rain is not simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of water delivery by controlling drop size, fall frequency, and spacing. Instead of uniform continuous streams, the system varies these parameters to simulate different rain conditions. This includes adjusting the rate of droplet formation and the distribution patterns to match natural rainfall characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies natural rain patterns by observing and replicating how raindrops fall in nature. The shower system mimics the random distribution, varying sizes, and intermittent timing of natural rainfall. This copying approach creates an authentic rain-like experience without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If water is provided at high flow rates through shower nozzles, then continuous streams are produced, but water efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing water to form drops naturally under gravity rather than forcing continuous flow through pressurized nozzles. The system uses the natural tendency of water to droplet under gravitational force, eliminating the need for high-pressure pumps and complex nozzle structures. This self-organizing drop formation improves water efficiency while maintaining shower effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic water discharge where drops are released at controlled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action creates effective shower coverage over time while significantly reducing the instantaneous and average water flow rate, thereby improving overall water efficiency.
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 system provides a satisfying shower experience at lower flow rates, mimicking the feel of rain while allowing for efficient water use and customizable water flow patterns.
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 assembly includes a first outlet, a second outlet, a first inlet, a stopper, and an actuator assembly. The first inlet is configured to provide water to the shower assembly from a water supply. The stopper is movable between a first stopper position and a second stopper position. When the stopper is in the first stopper position, water exits the shower assembly through the first outlet and is prevented from exiting the shower assembly through the second outlet. When the stopper is in the second stopper position, water is permitted to exit the shower assembly through the second outlet. The actuator assembly is configured to move the stopper between the first stopper position and the second stopper position.