Shower Head Outlet Switching Device with Elastic Reset Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower head outlet switch devices are complex, require large forces to operate, and are not convenient for switching functions.

Innovation Solution

A compact outlet switch device with a switch mechanism comprising a water diversion plate, first driving mechanism, and valve shaft, along with a driving mechanism including an operation button and second driving mechanism, utilizing seesaws and an elastic body for easy operation, allowing single-handed operation and occupying minimal space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional switch mechanism with valve sleeve, shaft, lock catch, and button is used, then the outlet function can be switched, but the structure becomes complicated and requires large force to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch mechanism is segmented into functional modules: the operation button forms an independent driving module, the water diversion plate forms a separate switching module, and the elastic body forms an independent resetting module. This segmentation simplifies each component's function and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic body acts as an intermediary element between the operation button and the water diversion plate. It transmits the operating force and provides automatic resetting functionality, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms and reducing the force required for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional switch mechanism with multiple components is used, then the outlet function can be switched, but the device occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching convenienceVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operation button, driving mechanism, and resetting function are merged into a compact integrated assembly. The button directly connects to the water diversion plate through the elastic body, eliminating the need for separate housing components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving mechanism components are nested within the fixing portion structure. The operation button is positioned to engage directly with the internal mechanism, and the elastic body is nested within the assembly space, achieving compact configuration that minimizes device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If a traditional switch mechanism with valve sleeve and lock catch is used, then the outlet function can be switched, but it requires large force to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidoperational force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The water diversion plate is designed with movable connection to the driving mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment during operation. The elastic body provides dynamic resetting force, enabling rapid switching without requiring sustained high operational force, thus improving switching speed while reducing force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device is labor-saving, fast, and convenient to switch, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining a compact structure, overcoming the complexity and operational difficulties of existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body connected to the driving mechanism and the fixing portion to make the driving mechanism resettable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10046339B2Shower head outlet switching device
Publication Date: 2018.08.14 XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES CO LTD
  • US10046339B2 patent drawing
  • US10046339B2 patent drawing
  • US10046339B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shower head outlet switching device includes a fixing portion having an inlet waterway and at least two diversion waterways; a switching mechanism within the fixing portion and including a water diversion plate that is movable with respect to the fixing portion; a first driving mechanism; and a valve shaft that is slidable with respect to the fixing portion; a driving mechanism including an operation button movably connected to the fixing portion that causes the valve shaft to slide; and a second driving mechanism connected to the valve shaft; and an elastic body directly connected to the driving mechanism and to the fixing portion to reset the driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is connected to the water diversion plate and the valve shaft so that, when the valve shaft slides one round, the water diversion plate rotates to connect one diversion waterway to the inlet waterway.