Showerhead Handle Pause Assembly for Reachable 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 pause assembly integrated into the showerhead handle, featuring a valve housing, actuator, and valve that can be moved along an arcuate or linear path to open or close the flow pathway, allowing users to control water flow from various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are positioned externally on the wall or support structure, then the showerhead system can maintain a simple structure, but the controls become out of reach for users during showering
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is merged with the showerhead by integrating the valve housing into the handle, combining the control function with the showerhead structure. This allows users to access controls directly on the showerhead while maintaining structural simplicity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to move along an arcuate path on the outer surface of the valve housing, utilizing the three-dimensional surface of the handle to position controls within easy reach. This dimensional approach allows multiple control positions to be accessible from the handle grip area.
2Ease of operation
If controls are integrated into the showerhead handle, then user accessibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing serves multiple functions: it houses the valve mechanism, provides the structural framework for the actuator movement, and integrates into the handle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite improved accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator moves along an arcuate path on the outer surface, then user access is facilitated, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator follows an arcuate path that conforms to the curved outer surface of the valve housing, utilizing the natural curvature of the handle. This curved trajectory simplifies the mechanical linkage required compared to linear movement, as it naturally accommodates the rotational motion of the valve within the curved housing structure.
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
Enables users to easily pause or adjust water flow without needing to access external controls, enhancing convenience and usability in showering scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a valve driver coupled between the actuator and the valve, where the valve driver converts the linear motion of the actuator into a rotational movement of the valve
Implementation Method 2
a valve operably coupled to the actuator that rotates from a first position allowing fluid flow from the inlet to reach the nozzles to a second position reducing fluid flow from the inlet to the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead including a head portion including a plurality of nozzles, a handle extending from the head portion and including an inlet, and a pause assembly positioned within the handle to control water flow from the inlet to the plurality of nozzles is disclosed. The pause assembly includes a control extending outwardly from the handle for manipulation by a user to change a state of the pause assembly and an actuator that translates motion of the control to change the state of the pause assembly.