Shower controlling device and shower device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shower devices with integrated mixing and switching valves often require users to readjust temperature when turning off the water supply, and their installation is limited by fixed depths, making them inconvenient and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A shower controlling device with a tube structure, separate mixing and switching valves, and an adjustable transferring and adjusting mechanism that allows independent control of temperature and flow rate, enabling easy installation at various depths and convenient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a mixing and switching valve is integrated into a single unit, then the device structure is simplified and installation is easier, but the user must readjust temperature when switching off water supply, reducing convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structureVSAvoidtemperature adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated mixing and switching valve into two separate valves: a mixing valve for temperature control and a switching valve for water supply on/off. This segmentation allows each valve to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need to readjust temperature when switching off water, thus improving operational convenience while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a mixing and switching valve is integrated into a single unit, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the valve cannot be adapted to different installing depths in walls, limiting installation flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve manufacturingVSAvoidinstallation depth adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable connecting rod that can change its length to adapt to different installation depths in walls. The connecting rod features adjustable segments that can be extended or retracted, allowing the switching valve to be positioned at various depths while maintaining proper connection to the mixing valve. This dynamic adjustment capability provides installation flexibility without complicating the manufacturing process, as the adjustable mechanism can be integrated into the existing modular valve system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the switching valve is positioned close to the mixing valve, then the device structure is more compact, but the user cannot easily operate the switching valve without affecting the mixing valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidswitching valve operation independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connecting rod as an intermediary element between the switching valve and the mixing valve. This connecting rod transmits the switching signal from the user's operation of the switching valve to the mixing valve, allowing the two valves to be positioned closer together while maintaining operational independence. The connecting rod acts as a mechanical mediator that ensures the switching action is transmitted accurately without requiring the user to directly manipulate both valves simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10745896B2Shower controlling device and shower device
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 XIAMEN LOTA INT CO LTD
  • US10745896B2 patent drawing
  • US10745896B2 patent drawing
  • US10745896B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a shower device and a shower controlling device. The shower controlling device comprises: a tube structure having a first inlet tube, a second inlet tube and an outlet tube; a mixing valve having mixing chamber which is in fluid communication with the outlet tube and is maintained to be in fluid communication with at least one of the first inlet tube and second inlet tube; a switching valve which is spaced apart from the mixing valve and is suitable for controlling the switching on/off of the outlet tube; a mounting disc provided to be spaced apart from the tube structure; and a transferring and adjusting mechanism which is mounted between the switching valve and the mounting disc in such a manner that the length of the mechanism is adjustable, and is able to operate the switching valve under an external force.