Shower Head Nozzle Automatic Reset via Return Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower heads require manual reset to the main spray type after using secondary spray types, which is inconvenient, especially in hotel settings, and often have complex structures that occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
A shower head design featuring a housing with inflow and outflow channels, an actuating element, valves, and a spring element that automatically resets to the main spray type upon cessation of water flow, ensuring the shower head always activates the main spray type upon reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual reset mechanism is used to return to the main spray pattern, then the shower head can be reset to the primary spray pattern, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring automatically resets the actuating element to its initial position after the user releases it, eliminating the need for manual resetting operations. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy in the spring to perform the reset function automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring is pre-loaded with elastic energy during the actuation process when the actuating element is moved from its initial position. This stored energy is then released to automatically return the actuating element to its initial position, performing the reset action in advance without requiring user intervention.
2Extent of automation
If a complex return mechanism is implemented to automatically reset the spray pattern, then automatic reset function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring provides automatic reset functionality through a simple elastic recovery mechanism. When the actuating element is released, the spring automatically returns it to the initial position, achieving automation without complex control systems, sensors, or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function needed for automatic reset - the elastic recovery force - and implements it through a simple spring element. Complex mechanisms such as motors, sensors, control circuits, and multi-component return systems are eliminated, leaving only the necessary spring element to provide the reset function.
3Extent of automation
If a complex return mechanism with multiple components is used, then automatic reset is achieved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and implements only the essential elastic recovery function using a single spring element, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, control circuits, and other components that would occupy significant space. The spring element can be compactly integrated into the existing shower head structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring is integrated with the existing actuating element and housing structure of the shower head. The spring element works in conjunction with the actuating element without requiring separate mounting spaces or additional structural components, thereby minimizing the increase in installation space.
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 design ensures automatic reset to the main spray type after use, simplifying operation and reducing complexity, thus enhancing user convenience and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, by which the actuator can be reset to its initial position after the shower head has been used
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Shower head (1) for a sanitary fitting, comprising: - a housing (2) with at least one inlet channel (3) and a plurality of outlet channels (4.1, 4.2, 4.3), - at least one actuating element (5) that can be actuated by a user, - an actuating element (6) that is movable in the housing (2) by the at least one actuating element (5) in an actuating plane (7), - a plurality of valves (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) with which the plurality of outlet channels (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) can be closed, wherein the plurality of valves (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) can be adjusted by the actuating element (6) parallel to the actuating plane (7) of the actuating element (6) from a closed position (10) to an open position (11), wherein the plurality of valves (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) are coupled to the actuating element (6) in such a way that an adjustment of a valve (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) by the actuating element (6) in the direction of the open position (11) causes a closing movement of at least one other valve (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) in the direction of the closed position (10) and that the actuating element (6) always adjusts at least one valve (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) at least partially in the direction of the open position (11), and - a spring element (12) by which the actuating element (6) can be reset to a starting position (13) after the operation of the shower (1).