Shower Valve Trigger Mechanism for Automatic Water Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shower control mechanisms are ineffective in reducing water and energy waste, as they require voluntary action to turn off and are cumbersome, hazardous, or not adaptable to hand showers or individuals with limited mobility, often leading to continuous water flow during showers.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated shower valve with a valve actuator that biases the valve towards a closed position, requiring a triggering force to open and automatically closing when the force is released, ensuring water conservation without the need for continuous user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional shower control mechanisms are used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the user must voluntarily turn it off and it remains prone to being left open all the time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve defaults to the closed position and requires a triggering force to open, reversing the conventional approach where water flows by default and must be manually stopped. This inversion ensures water-saving functionality while maintaining ease of operation through simple trigger activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve automatically returns to the closed position when the trigger force is released, eliminating the need for users to remember to turn off the water. The system serves itself by automatically closing after use, preventing water and energy waste without requiring voluntary user action to turn it off.
2Extent of automation
If foot or weight triggering mechanisms are used, then the valve can be controlled automatically, but the installation becomes complicated and hazardous to use
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering mechanism is extracted from complex foot or weight systems and simplified to a manual trigger that can be easily operated. This extraction maintains automatic valve control functionality while eliminating installation complexity and safety hazards associated with floor-mounted mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple trigger acts as an intermediary between user intent and valve operation, replacing complex automated sensing systems. This intermediary provides automatic control functionality through a straightforward mechanical or tactile interface that is safe and simple to install and use.
3Ease of operation
If manually operated valves are mounted to the shower head, then control is available, but they are not adapted to hand showers and limit handling to small persons or those with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed with universal adaptability to work with both fixed shower installations and hand showers. The trigger mechanism can be positioned at convenient locations along the water delivery system, making it accessible to persons of various statures and mobility levels while maintaining compatibility across different shower types.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve control is moved from a fixed position at the shower head to a flexible position that can be placed at multiple heights and locations along the water delivery path. This dimensional flexibility allows users of different sizes and mobility levels to access the trigger comfortably, while also adapting to hand shower configurations.
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 solution effectively limits water consumption during showers by maintaining a closed position unless actively opened, addressing the inefficiencies of existing systems and improving usability for all users, including those with mobility limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring and piston mechanism for easy operation
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring and piston mechanism for easy operation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a manually operated valve for a shower installation system are described herein that include: an inlet and an outlet configured for installation of the valve along piping and a valve debit control mechanism including a valve chamber that defines a passage between the inlet and outlet, and a valve actuator that biases the valve debit control mechanism towards a closed position wherein the passage is obstructed and which is movable towards an opened position wherein the passage is opened when a triggering force is applied onto the valve actuator. The valve limits the consumption of water in a shower by automatically preventing the flow of water therethrough unless a user voluntarily triggers and maintains the opening of the valve.