Shower Valve Segmentation for Independent Jet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower and hand shower systems with multiple jet outlet openings lack efficient control mechanisms, often resulting in incomplete shut-off of certain jets, leading to unwanted water flow and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A shower or hand shower system with 'x' individually arranged valves, each capable of two defined positions (open or shut-off), allowing for independent control of 'x' different jet types, where a push button activates a valve body to change positions, and additional valves can be coupled for air or fragrance supply, enabling direct selection and combination of jet types without deselecting existing settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple jet outlet openings are arranged in the jet disc with separate valve control, then different jet types can be provided, but some jet outlet openings cannot be shut off via valves leading to continuous water release
Solution Approach 1:
The jet disc is segmented into multiple independently controllable jet outlet openings, each with its own valve. This segmentation allows each jet to be controlled separately, enabling complete shut-off of any individual jet while maintaining the ability to select different jet types through combinations of open valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a toggle switch with two axially displaceable valve closing bodies is used, then two jet patterns can be switched, but the switching mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex toggle switch with multiple valve closing bodies, the invention segments the control into individual valves for each jet outlet opening. Each valve can be controlled independently, simplifying the overall switching mechanism while maintaining the ability to select between different jet patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve is equipped with its own actuating mechanism that can be directly operated by the user. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex interconnected switching mechanisms, as each valve serves itself through independent actuation.
3Ease of operation
If all sealing valves are shut off simultaneously to stop water flow, then complete shut-off is achieved, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The control system allows for selective shut-off of individual jets rather than requiring all valves to be shut off simultaneously. This local quality approach enables precise control where only the necessary jets are closed, maintaining water flow through other jets and eliminating safety concerns associated with complete system shut-off.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sprayhead or hand spray, comprising jet exit openings (50) and "x" (x>1) valves (40, 41, 42, 43) that control the inflow of a fluid to the jet exit openings (50), wherein each valve (40, 41, 42, 43) is controllable independently of the other valves and comprises a movable valve body (402, 412, 422, 432), by means of which at least one first and one second valve position can be achieved, and for each of the "x" valves (40, 41, 42, 43) a pushbutton (401, 411, 421, 431) is provided for the control thereof, wherein on actuation of one or more pushbuttons (401, 411, 421, 431) the associated valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) is displaced. According to the invention, a control element (60) is provided, by means of which, on actuation of the same pushbutton or the same pushbuttons (401, 411, 421, 431), the position of the associated valve body (402, 412, 422, 432) is secured in the second valve position and/or all the other valve bodies (402, 412, 422, 432) are reset to the first valve position, the associated pushbutton (401, 411, 421, 431) of said other valve bodies being not actuated.