Handheld Shower Push-Button Switching for Multi-Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held shower heads require both hands to switch between different spray modes, making the operation laborious and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A push-button switching structure for hand-held shower heads, utilizing a water route upper cover, pre-compressed spring, water-dividing disc, driver, separation spring, worm, positioning pin, water route lower cover, and push button to enable single-button control of multiple spray modes through a switching space with bevel teeth, ratchet, and sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating panel structure is used to switch spray modes, then multiple spray modes can be achieved, but both hands are required for operation making it laborious and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating panel mechanical system with a push-button actuated worm gear mechanism. The push button (9) connects to the worm (6) which converts linear pressing motion into rotational motion of the driver (4) and water-dividing disc (3), eliminating the need for manual panel rotation while maintaining mode switching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a worm gear mechanism as an intermediary between the push button and the water-dividing disc. The worm (6) acts as a mediator that translates the simple push-button action into controlled rotational movement, providing mechanical advantage and precise control over the spray mode switching process
2Ease of operation
If a push-button mechanism with worm gear is used, then single-hand operation is enabled improving ease of use, but the device requires multiple components increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The driver (4) combines the function of a gear wheel with a cam mechanism to simultaneously control the water-dividing disc rotation and the positioning pin (7) engagement. The positioning pin integrates the ratchet pawl function directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall system complexity despite adding the push-button mechanism
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 solution allows for simple, compact, and convenient switching between spray modes with one push button, enhancing user experience and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-compressed spring, disposed between an inner wall of the switching space close to the water inlet and an end face of the water-dividing disc
Implementation Method 2
a separation spring, disposed between the driver and the worm
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a push-button switching structure for a hand-held shower head, involving a water route upper cover (1) and a water route lower cover (8) fastened together to form a switching space, with a water inlet (11) and a multi-sectioned water outlet (81) and a switching hole (82) provided on the switching space; a water-dividing disc (3) mounted between the water inlet (11) and the water outlet (81) in the switching space to form a multi-sectioned water dividing hole (31), first bevel teeth (32) and a ratchet (33); a pre-compressed spring (2) provided between the switching space and an end face of the water-dividing disc (3); a driver (4) mounted on the water-dividing disc (3), with an end face forming second bevel teeth (41) cooperating in a driving manner with the first bevel teeth (32), and the centre forming a bevelled groove (42); a bevelled reinforcing fillet (61) forming at one end of a worm (6) and inserted between the driver (4) and the worm (6); a positioning pin (7) pivoted in the switching space at one end, and being a pawl fitting with the ratchet (33) at the other end; and a push button (9) corresponding to the switching hole (82), and a stopping part (62) of the worm (6) being mounted outside the switching space. This structure achieves the function of one push button controlling multiple water outputs, and the switching operation is convenient.