Sanitary Shower Plug-On Connector Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary showers face difficulties in user-friendly and secure installation of the shower head on the shower body, particularly during overhead installations, where conventional connections can be arduous and prone to either being difficult to release or accidentally dislodged.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of plug-on connector means with latching lugs and holes, coupling ring parts, and a locking ring system that allows for a form-fitting connection between the shower head and body, enabling simple, tool-free installation and secure attachment, while allowing for easy removal for cleaning or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw connections are used to attach the shower head to the shower body, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes arduous and time-consuming, especially during overhead installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connection body with internal threading and a connection element with external threading. This segmentation allows the shower head to be quickly attached to the shower body through a simple screwing motion without requiring complex installation tools or procedures, while still providing a secure threaded connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the shower head and the shower body. It features an external thread that engages with the internal thread of the connection body, providing a reliable mechanical connection. This intermediary element simplifies the overall connection process while ensuring secure attachment.
2Reliability
If bayonet catches are designed to snap in securely for safety, then connection reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes difficult to release for maintenance or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a dynamic threaded engagement where the connection element can be easily screwed onto and off the connection body. The threading provides progressive engagement that secures the connection during use, while the same threading mechanism allows for equally easy disengagement when needed for maintenance or cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection design allows users to easily attach and detach the shower head themselves without requiring special tools or complex mechanisms. The self-contained threading system enables users to perform maintenance, cleaning, or replacements independently and conveniently.
3Ease of operation
If bayonet catches are designed for easy release, then ease of operation is improved, but there is a risk of accidental disconnection during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element features a spherical head that engages with a corresponding spherical recess in the connection body. This spherical geometry provides a self-centering, secure connection that is resistant to accidental disconnection while still allowing for easy manual removal when intentionally detached by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection is designed to be fully engaged and secured before the shower head is put into use. The progressive threading ensures that the connection is firmly established prior to operation, preventing accidental disconnection during normal use while maintaining ease of intentional removal for maintenance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shower head is made large with multiple jet outlet openings to provide various shower patterns, then functionality is improved, but the weight increases making overhead installation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head is divided into multiple functional segments or modules, each containing a subset of the jet outlet openings. These modular sections can be independently manufactured with lighter materials and then assembled together, reducing the overall weight while maintaining the variety of shower patterns through selective activation of different jet groups.
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
Facilitates rapid, secure, and user-friendly installation of the shower head on the shower body, preventing accidental disconnection during use and allowing for easy release for maintenance, with the plug-on connector system ensuring a reliable fluid connection between the shower head and body.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one latching lug is suitably manufactured from a material having elastic properties, such as, for example, an elastic metal material or plastics material
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary shower useful as an overhead shower has a shower body including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a shower head that is removably attachable to the shower body, has a fluid inlet connecting with the fluid outlet of the shower body and includes a shower outlet providing a shower fluid jet. A plug-on connector removably attaches the shower head to the shower body via latching lugs that snap radially into engagement with latching holes and are blocked and unblocked from disengagement by a movable locking ring.