Shower Device with Independently Operable Valves for Custom Spray Patterns

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shower devices are limited to pre-selected spray patterns, restricting user customization based on personal preferences, as they typically have fixed configurations of spray outlets with no ability to adjust the patterns independently.

Innovation Solution

The shower device incorporates independently operable valves that control the flow to each spray outlet, allowing users to select from a variety of spray patterns by actuating different combinations of valves, and optionally includes a flow-control valve for adjusting spray intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single set of spray outlets in a fixed configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the spray pattern customization capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray pattern customization capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shower device divides the spray outlets into multiple independently controllable groups, with each group associated with a separate valve. This segmentation allows users to select different combinations of spray outlets to create customized spray patterns, transforming a fixed configuration into an adaptable system without requiring complete redesign of the entire spray structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces movable valves that can be positioned in different locations to dynamically control which spray outlets are activated. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt between different spray patterns by simply repositioning the valves rather than changing the physical configuration of the spray outlets themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independently operable valves are added to control each spray outlet, then spray pattern customization is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray pattern optionsVSAvoidvalve mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the valves with universal functionality, where each valve can control a specific group of spray outlets but can also be repositioned to control different groups. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each spray pattern, as the same valve mechanism serves multiple purposes depending on its position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism is designed to be nested within the shower device structure, with valves that can be positioned and locked into place within the housing. This nesting approach allows the valves to be integrated into the existing structure rather than adding external components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining customization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9050612B2Shower device with independently operating valves

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 DELTA FAUCET COMPANY

AI summary

A shower device includes spray outlets and valves configured to control flow of a fluid to the spray outlets. At least one of the valves is configured to control, independently of other valves, flow of the fluid to at least one of the spray outlets.