Shower Lifting Rod Sliding Seat Knob for Low-Force Height Locking
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding seats on lifting rods for shower heads require a large operation force to adjust and maintain position, making it inconvenient for users to operate and fix the seat at desired heights.
Innovation Solution
A sliding seat design incorporating a main body, movable member, friction block, elastic member, and a knob with a handle, where the friction block and elastic member work together to adjust friction with the lifting rod, allowing for easy positioning and temporary fixation using a push structure and elastic mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button-controlled holding mechanism is used, then the sliding seat can be retained at a certain height, but a relatively large operation force is required to operate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter dynamically by adjusting the pressing force between the friction block and the lifting rod. When the knob is rotated, it moves the movable member which adjusts the elastic member's compression, thereby changing the friction force. This allows the system to switch between high friction (holding state) and low friction (moving state), resolving the contradiction between reliable holding and easy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static holding mechanism into a dynamic one where the friction force can be adjusted in real-time. The elastic member provides dynamic pressing force that can be increased or decreased by rotating the knob, allowing the system to adapt between holding and moving states, thus reducing operation force while maintaining holding capability
2Ease of operation
If operation force is maintained at all times during movement, then the sliding seat can be controlled, but it is inconvenient for the user to operate the holding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by creating distinct operational phases: a moving phase where friction is reduced for easy movement, and a holding phase where friction is increased for stable positioning. The user periodically switches between these phases by rotating the knob, eliminating the need for continuous force application and simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by only requiring force application during the brief moments of position adjustment, rather than continuous force during entire movement. The elastic member maintains sufficient friction during holding without requiring active user input, reducing overall operation complexity
3Reliability
If friction between the friction block and lifting rod is increased for stable fixation, then the sliding seat can be retained, but more force is required to move the seat to adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the friction parameter by adjusting the elastic member's compression through knob rotation. In holding mode, high compression creates high friction for stable fixation. In movement mode, reduced compression creates low friction for easy movement. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between stable fixation and easy movement
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 design reduces the operational force needed to rotate the knob, allowing for stable or temporary fixation of the sliding seat on the lifting rod, facilitating user-adjustable height settings with reduced effort.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (4), and a knob (5)... The elastic member (4) is fitted between the movable member (2) and the friction block (3)... the elastic member is arranged between the movable member and the friction block, so that a certain friction is always maintained between the friction block and the lifting rod
Implementation Method 2
The friction block (3) is fitted at one end of the through passage (113) close to the receiving hole (115) and abuts against a side wall of the lifting rod (A)... a friction between the friction block and the lifting rod is greater than a gravity of the sliding seat of the lifting rod
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding seat of a lifting rod includes a main body, a movable member, a friction block, an elastic member, and a knob having a handle. The friction block is fitted at one end of a through passage of the main body close to a receiving hole and abuts against a side wall of the lifting rod. The movable member is fitted at another end of the through passage. The elastic member is fitted between the movable member and the friction block. The knob is rotatably fitted on the main body to movably cooperate with the movable member. A push structure is provided between the knob and the movable member. It is convenient to adjust the position of the main body on the lifting rod.