Electromechanical Shower Valve Retrofit for Expandable Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shower assemblies are limited to a fixed type of main valve body, either mechanical or electromechanical, and cannot be easily converted or expanded to accommodate additional user devices or outlets, restricting flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A shower assembly design that includes a mechanical valve body with interchangeable mechanical and electromechanical main valve bodies, along with solenoid valves and a control module, allowing for the expansion of outlets and user device connections through a solenoid valve and diverter module, enabling the system to function with multiple user devices and outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shower assembly is preconfigured with a fixed mechanical main valve body, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot be readily altered to replace with an electromechanical main valve body, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The shower assembly is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate both mechanical and electromechanical main valve bodies. The valve body mounting structure includes standardized threading and sealing surfaces that accept either type of valve body, allowing the same shower assembly to function with different valve types without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the user can choose to install either a mechanical or electromechanical valve body based on their needs. The connection interface and surrounding structure are designed to accommodate this variability, enabling the system to adapt its complexity level rather than being fixed at design stage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a main valve body includes only two outlets, then the device complexity is low, but the shower assembly is limited to fluidly coupling to only two user devices, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet system is segmented into a base valve body with two primary outlets and optional diverter modules that can be added to create additional outlets. Each diverter module is a self-contained unit that interfaces with the existing outlets, allowing the system to expand from 2 to 4 or more outlets through modular addition rather than redesigning the entire valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
Diverter modules are designed to nest within or attach to the existing valve body structure. The diverter modules can be installed inside the valve body housing or mounted on external surfaces, utilizing the space and structure already present in the two-outlet configuration to accommodate additional outlet functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves and control modules are added to enable electromechanical operation and multiple outlet control, then versatility and user control are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Solenoid valves are introduced as intermediary components between the control module and the water flow paths. These solenoid valves act as electronically-controlled shut-off mechanisms that can be positioned at strategic locations in the plumbing, allowing electronic control of water flow to multiple outlets without requiring complex internal valve mechanisms throughout the entire system.
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
This design provides a flexible and expandable shower assembly that can be converted between mechanical and electromechanical modes, increasing the number of user devices and outlets, enhancing user control and functionality without requiring extensive modifications to the existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a first solenoid valve fluidly coupled to the third outlet and configured to selectively permit mixed water to flow through the third outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for converting a mechanical main valve body of a shower assembly to an electromechanical main valve body. The system includes a mechanical valve body that includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a connection interface that interchangeably receives one of the mechanical main valve body or the electromechanical main valve body. The electromechanical main valve body includes a first solenoid valve fluidly coupled to a first outlet that directs the mixed water to a first user device in replacement of a second outlet of the mechanical main valve body, and a second solenoid valve fluidly coupled to a third outlet that directs the mixed water to a second user device in replacement of a fourth outlet of the mechanical main valve body. The first and second solenoid valves selectively permit the mixed water to flow through the first and third outlets, respectively.