Showerhead Handle Pause Assembly for Accessible Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showerhead systems often have controls that are out of reach for users, especially with handheld showerheads, making it difficult to quickly pause or adjust water flow while showering.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly, including a pause assembly with a valve housing, actuator, and valve, is integrated into the showerhead handle, allowing users to easily control water flow by moving a control mechanism that rotates the valve between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If controls are connected to the wall or support structure and are separate from the showerhead system, then the control system can be simplified and manufactured more easily, but the controls become out of reach for users during showering
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is merged with the showerhead handle, integrating the valve housing, actuator, and valve components into a single unit that moves with the showerhead. This allows users to access controls at any location within the shower enclosure while maintaining a cohesive manufacturing process for the integrated assembly.
2Ease of operation
If controls are integrated into the showerhead handle, then user accessibility to controls is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a valve housing containing the valve, an actuator mechanism for operation, and integration features for attachment to the showerhead handle. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing user-accessible controls within the handle.
3Ease of operation
If a pause assembly is added to the showerhead, then the ability to quickly pause or reduce water flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve within the control assembly serves multiple functions: it can be fully opened for normal shower operation, partially adjusted for flow reduction, and fully closed for pausing the water flow. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single valve mechanism with an actuator that provides various positions, eliminating the need for separate controls for different flow states.
Data Source
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AI summary
A showerhead having a control assembly is disclosed. The showerhead includes a head portion operably connected to a showerhead engine, the engine including a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the head portion and a handle fluidly connected to a water source and defining a flow path between the water source and the head portion. The control assembly is positioned within the flow path of the handle and is operable to vary a flow volume from the water source to the head portion.