Water-Powered Shower Head Vibration With Independent Mechanical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-powered vibration mechanisms in shower heads are complex and require the vibration function to be switched off by cutting off the water supply, leading to inconvenient user experiences and complicated mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A shower head with a mechanical bistable switching mechanism that allows the vibration function to be independently switched on or off, using a push-push mechanism to transition between states, enabling vibration control without interrupting water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water-powered vibration mechanism is used in a shower head, then the vibration function can be achieved without electromagnetic mechanisms, but the vibration operation cannot be switched off independently of water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head is divided into functionally independent modules: a water flow path system and a vibration generation system. The vibration member is separated from the water inlet and outlets, allowing the vibration function to be independently controlled through a switching mechanism that can engage or disengage the vibration member from water flow without stopping water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a vibration position (where it interacts with water flow to generate vibrations) and a non-vibration position (where it is disengaged from water flow). This dynamic positioning enables independent switching of the vibration function while maintaining continuous water flow.
2Ease of operation
If a switching mechanism is added to control vibration independently, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's own actions (e.g., pressing a button or adjusting a control) that directly manipulate the vibration member's position. The mechanism uses the water flow itself or simple mechanical linkages to transition between states, avoiding the need for complex external control systems, motors, or electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism utilizes hydraulic principles where water pressure and flow are used to actuate the switching between vibration and non-vibration states. The water flow itself provides the force needed to move the vibration member into or out of the vibration position, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems.
3Reliability
If the vibration member is allowed to move freely inside the shower head, then vibration function is achieved, but user experience deteriorates when water flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration member transitions from a fixed position to a movable position only when needed for vibration generation. When water flow is restricted or when vibration is not required, the switching mechanism positions the vibration member to be disengaged from the water flow path, preventing unwanted movement and maintaining stable water flow to the outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the water flow system and the vibration member. This intermediary controls whether the vibration member interacts with the water flow, allowing the system to maintain stable water flow to outlets while enabling vibration function when required, thus improving user experience under various water flow conditions.
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
Provides a simple, efficient, and convenient water-powered vibration function that can be switched on and off independently of water supply, allowing continuous control of vibration intensity and frequency without electromagnetic mechanisms, and requiring minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
water flowing from the water inlet and around the vibration member to the water outlets drives a water-powered vibration movement of the vibration member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, in particular a shower head (100), having a water-driven or water-powered vibration function for massage purposes and/or for sexual stimulation. The shower head (100) preferably includes a hollow longitudinal main body (1), a water inlet (2) arranged on one side of the hollow longitudinal main body (1), one or more water outlets la arranged on another side of the hollow longitudinal main body (1), a vibration member (8) arranged inside the hollow longitudinal main body (1) between the water inlet (2) and the one or more water outlets la, and a switching mechanism (11) configured to switch between a first state in which the vibration member (8) is movably released inside at least a portion of the hollow longitudinal main body (1) and a second state in which a position of the vibration member (8) is fixed.