Shower head
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower heads struggle to generate a large amount of minute bubbles, as they are limited to a single bubble generation position or require high water flow rates or air adjustment to produce fine bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A shower head design with minute bubble generators positioned on both the upstream and downstream sides of the water passage, utilizing cavitation to generate fine bubbles, which are further atomized by a downstream swirling flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single bubble generator is disposed at one position in the hot water passage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of minute bubbles generated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generation function is segmented into multiple independent bubble generators disposed at different positions (upstream and downstream sides) in the water passage. Each bubble generator operates independently to create minute bubbles, and their combined effect significantly increases the total quantity of minute bubbles compared to a single generator.
2Manufacturing precision
If high water flow rate is used to generate fine bubbles, then the manufacturing precision of bubble size is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generation mechanism changes the critical parameter from water flow rate to pressure differential. By creating localized pressure drops through the bubble generator structures (using surface tension and pressure differential rather than high flow velocity), fine bubbles are generated without requiring high overall water flow rates, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining precise bubble size control.
3Device complexity
If the Venturi effect is utilized to self-prime air through swirling water flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bubble diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generators utilize porous structures or surfaces that create numerous small openings. Water passing through these porous structures generates minute bubbles through capillary action and surface tension effects, achieving fine bubble diameters without requiring complex air introduction mechanisms like the Venturi effect.
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 head effectively produces a large amount of minute bubbles, enhancing cleaning and temperature retention effects, with ultra-fine bubbles maintaining their presence for extended periods, improving showering and bathing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
minute bubble generators are disposed at positions on an upstream side and a downstream side in a water passage. The minute bubble generators generate fine bubbles through cavitation.
Implementation Method 2
when water mixed with minute bubbles on the upstream side passes through the downstream bubble generator, the minute bubbles are further atomized so that the total number of minute bubbles increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower head (11) includes a handle (12) and a head portion (13). The head portion (13) includes shower holes (15, 16, 17). The handle (12) includes an upstream bubble generator that generates minute bubbles in water. The head portion 13 includes a downstream bubble generator that generates minute bubbles in water in the same manner as the upstream bubble generator. The upstream bubble generator includes a constriction and a tapered portion. The downstream bubble generator has a swirling flow mode. Since minute bubbles are generated on the upstream and downstream sides, the amount of minute bubbles mixed in water becomes larger. This allows for showering by effectively using the function of minute bubbles.