Shower Head Rotary Actuator for Pulsator Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower heads with pulsator wheels are complex in operation and production, lacking simplicity and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A shower head design where the actuating element can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the valve element, allowing for simple one-hand operation and a more compact structural design, with the pulsator wheel being locked or released through a rotary movement, and featuring a changeover valve for different spray modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button arranged on the side of the housing is used for locking the pulsator wheel, then the pulsator wheel can be locked, but the operation becomes complex and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function and the actuating function into a single integrated actuating element. The actuating element has a first function to actuate the valve and a second function to lock or release the pulsator wheel, eliminating the need for separate locking buttons and enabling one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both valve actuation and pulsator wheel locking/releasing. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions that previously required separate components.
2Reliability
If a rod-shaped changeover element arranged coaxially within a hollow valve body is used, then the pulsator wheel can be locked, but the structural design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the changeover element from the coaxial arrangement within the hollow valve body and positions it laterally adjacent to the valve element. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the complex coaxial positioning requirements and allowing independent mounting of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the locking mechanism into distinct functional parts: the actuating element for valve control, the changeover element for pulsator wheel control, and the pin for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the switching element is arranged at a distance from and parallel to the closure element, then independent mounting is enabled, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a coaxial arrangement (one-dimensional alignment) to a lateral arrangement where the changeover element is positioned adjacent to the valve element in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change enables independent mounting while optimizing space utilization through lateral rather than axial positioning.
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
Enables simple and reliable operation with reduced complexity in production, allowing for easy switching between spray modes and compact design, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pulsator wheel can be rotated by the corresponding inflow of water so that it periodically interrupts the shower jet.
Implementation Method 2
A spring element, which is supported on the one hand on the housing and on the other hand on a connecting part, is provided for preloading the button in the initial position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The shower head comprises a housing (2) and a valve (V) disposed therein, said valve having a valve body (14) that is disposed in a water channel (33). The valve body is connected to an actuating body (3) and interacts with at least one valve seat (24, 25) for closing and/or opening or switching the water channel (33). A pulsator wheel (38) can be connected to the water channel (33) and is detachably locked to a switching body (40) that is operatively connected to the actuating body (3). The actuating body (3) is supported on the housing (2) rotatably about a longitudinal axis (45) of the valve body (14) and thus connected to the switching body (40) such that it can be adjusted with a rotational movement of the actuating body (3) about the longitudinal axis (45) in order to lock or release the pulsator wheel (38).