Multi-Function Shower Head Automatic Spray Pattern Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower heads lack the ability to automatically return to a predetermined spray pattern after water pressure is turned off, often requiring additional plumbing and causing a drop in water temperature when switching between spray patterns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function shower head with an operating mechanism that includes a sliding ring and actuator system, allowing for manual adjustment of spray patterns and automatic return to a first spray pattern upon interrupting water flow, without additional plumbing or significant temperature drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shower head provides multiple spray patterns with manual adjustment, then spray pattern versatility is improved, but the shower head fails to automatically return to a predetermined spray pattern when water flow is restarted, causing water to extend beyond the intended area
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head automatically returns to its original spray pattern without user intervention. The system uses water pressure itself as the actuating force to rotate the spray pattern selector back to the predetermined position when water flow is restarted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring water remains contained within the intended shower area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wider spray patterns are made available by switching water flow to a different fixture or adding flow to an additional fixture, then spray pattern variety is improved, but additional plumbing and fixture costs increase, and water temperature drops when switching patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head integrates multiple spray patterns within a single fixture, eliminating the need for additional fixtures or plumbing extensions. The base plate contains both direct spray holes for a first spray pattern and water passages with spray holes for a second spray pattern, allowing one fixture to perform multiple functions and providing spray pattern variety without increasing plumbing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shower head provides multiple spray patterns through additional fixtures or line extensions, then spray pattern options are improved, but water temperature drops significantly when switching between patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head merges multiple spray pattern capabilities into a single integrated fixture with a common water supply. By combining the base plate with direct spray holes and the sliding ring with spray holes for different patterns into one unit, the system maintains consistent water temperature across all spray patterns, eliminating the temperature drops that occur when switching between separate fixtures or line extensions.
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 multiple spray patterns with automatic adjustment to a narrower pattern when water pressure is off, maintaining water temperature and eliminating the need for extra plumbing, ensuring efficient and comfortable showering.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator spring fitted in at least one spring cavity of the base plate
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure chamber and at least one spring cavity formed therein having at least one actuator spring fitted in at least one spring cavity of the base plate, at least one actuator supply hole, at least one pressure dam having vents on each side thereof received in at least one pressure chamber of the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function shower head including an upper housing, a lower housing, a base plate, the base plate having at least water passages and direct spray holes there-through for selectively enabling water outflow from the upper housing through the base plate, a sliding ring held by the lower housing against the base plate and having at least a second spray pattern, and at least one actuator to selectively align the second spray pattern in the sliding ring with the water passage in the base plate and to adjust from a first spray pattern to the second spray pattern. The base plate and the sliding ring are arranged and disposed with an operating mechanism to automatically adjust the water flow from the second spray pattern to the first spray pattern upon interrupting water flow through, and pressure to the base plate.