Showerhead Flow Selector for Switching Between Fan Spray and Jet Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showerheads designed for showering often result in undesirable water pressure and coverage patterns when used for cleaning tasks, failing to effectively rinse large surfaces or direct water flow to specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead with a flow director and selector mechanism that allows users to selectively direct water flow through multiple nozzle configurations, including fan-shaped sprays and jet streams, enabling independent control over water direction and pressure for cleaning purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional showerhead nozzles and nozzle configurations are used, then the showerhead is suitable for showering, but the water pressure and pattern are undesirable for cleaning purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead incorporates a flow director with multiple selectable positions that dynamically changes the water flow configuration. The flow director can be rotated to different positions (first, second, third positions) to switch between shower mode and cleaning modes, allowing the water pressure and pattern to be dynamically adjusted based on the intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system is segmented into multiple independent nozzle groups (first nozzles, second nozzles, third nozzles) with different configurations. Each nozzle group is controlled by a separate plenum (first plenum, second plenum, third plenum), allowing selective activation of specific nozzle configurations depending on whether showering or cleaning is the primary function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle configurations are added for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzle groups and plenums are merged into a single integrated showerhead assembly. The flow director serves as a unified control mechanism that simultaneously manages water distribution to multiple plenums and nozzle groups, consolidating what could have been separate devices into one cohesive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it can operate in traditional shower mode using the first nozzles and first plenum, or switch to cleaning mode by directing water through second nozzles and third nozzles with their respective plenums. The flow director enables this multi-functionality within a single device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a showerhead having a head portion; a handle extending from the head portion, the handle having an inlet disposed at an end of the handle opposite the head portion and a first channel extending through the handle; a faceplate disposed at a first side of the head portion; a plurality of nozzles extending through the faceplate; at least one first nozzle disposed in the head portion separate from the faceplate; a second nozzle adjacent to the at least one first nozzle; and a flow director having a second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel and moveable between a first position, a second position, and a third position to selectively direct a flow of water through a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, the at least one first nozzle, or the second nozzle.