Shower Spout with Movable Plate for Fouling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showers have complex internal structures due to multiple water diversion chambers and switching mechanisms, leading to limited water discharge areas and potential fouling issues.
Innovation Solution
A shower design featuring a movable portion with protruding structures and a driving mechanism that allows the spout to switch between different water inlet positions, enabling larger water discharge areas and preventing fouling through rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water diversion chambers and switching mechanisms are arranged in conventional showers, then different functional water can be discharged from different spouts, but the internal structure becomes complex and the discharge water area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single spout to discharge multiple types of functional water (such as shower water, massage water, and rinsing water) through different operational modes. The spout structure is designed to accommodate multiple water sources and switching mechanisms internally, allowing one spout to perform the functions previously requiring multiple spouts and chambers. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining the capability to discharge different functional waters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple water diversion chambers and switching mechanisms into a more integrated structure. The switching mechanisms are consolidated within the spout assembly, and the water diversion paths are combined into a unified system. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate chambers for each function, simplifying the overall internal structure while preserving the ability to deliver different functional waters through the same spout.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water diversion chambers and switching mechanisms are arranged in conventional showers, then different functional water can be discharged from different spouts, but the discharge water area is small
Solution Approach 1:
By making the spout multi-functional, the patent allows a single discharge point to serve multiple purposes (shower, massage, rinsing functions). This eliminates the need for multiple separate spouts, effectively increasing the utilization of the discharge area. The spout is designed with internal passages and switching mechanisms that enable different water flows to emerge from the same external opening, maximizing the functional output from the available discharge area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capabilities within the spout, allowing the discharge characteristics to change based on operational mode. The switching mechanisms enable dynamic redirection of water flows within the spout structure, allowing the same physical opening to deliver different types of water flows (stream, spray, massage patterns) dynamically. This dynamic functionality increases the effective discharge area by varying the water delivery patterns from the same spout opening.
3Area of stationary object
If a movable portion with protruding structures and driving mechanism is added, then water discharge area is enhanced and fouling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable portion within the spout assembly that can shift between different positions. This movable component is driven by a simple driving mechanism (such as a motor or actuator) that repositions the movable portion to adjust the discharge area or activate different water flow paths. The movable structure allows the spout to dynamically change its discharge characteristics, enhancing the effective water discharge area while using a relatively simple driving mechanism rather than complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration or rotation of the movable portion to prevent fouling and clogging of the spout. The driving mechanism induces vibrational or rotational motion in the movable structures, creating fluid dynamics that prevent water and debris from stagnating in the discharge paths. This self-cleaning effect through vibration reduces the need for additional complex cleaning mechanisms while maintaining clear water flow and preventing fouling buildup in the spout and discharge areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower includes a fixed portion with a water outlet chamber. The fixed portion has a cover portion with a plurality of spouts for connecting to the water outlet chamber, and a movable portion including an operating member and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is drivingly connected to the movable portion and drives the movable portion to circulate, the movable portion is movably arranged in the fixed portion and comprises a movable plate and a plurality of protruding portion protruding on the movable plate, the protruding portion is inserted into the spout and there is a gap between the protruding portion and the spout, the operating member is drivingly connected with the movable portion and is driven by the operating member to move at least between the first position and the second position, and the movable portion discharges water differently in the first position and the second position.