Systems and methods for lighted showering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower environments often lack ambient lighting and information about shower duration and water temperature, making it difficult for users to determine when the water is ready and leading to wasted time and water.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead with integrated lighting elements and a light driver that controls the lighting based on water temperature and duration, using a temperature sensor and clock to provide visual indications through color schemes and intensity changes, and a hydro-generator to power the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting is installed in the shower space after bathroom construction, then ambient lighting is provided, but installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the showerhead by integrating lighting elements directly into the showerhead structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate shower space lighting installation, providing ambient lighting while avoiding post-construction installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead is designed to perform multiple functions: water delivery and lighting provision. By making the showerhead a multi-functional device that includes integrated lighting elements, the patent eliminates the need for additional lighting fixtures in the shower space.
2Loss of information
If conventional showerheads are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but information about shower duration and temperature is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (water delivery, lighting, temperature sensing, duration tracking, and information display) into a single integrated showerhead system. This merging allows the provision of comprehensive shower information while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead is designed as a multi-functional device that not only delivers water but also provides ambient lighting, senses temperature, tracks shower duration, and displays information through controllable lighting elements, thereby reducing information loss.
3Loss of time
If manual temperature testing is required, then device simplicity is maintained, but time and water are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors water temperature and provides feedback through the controllable lighting elements. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual temperature testing by automatically informing users of the current water temperature status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of testing water temperature with an electronic sensing and signaling system. The temperature sensor and controllable lighting elements substitute for the manual hand-testing method, reducing time loss and improving convenience.
4Illumination intensity
If lighting elements are integrated into the showerhead, then ambient lighting and information provision are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting elements with the showerhead structure, integrating multiple functions (water delivery, lighting, sensing, and display) into a single unified device. This merging achieves ambient lighting and information provision while managing complexity through integration.
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 showerhead provides ambient lighting and informs users about water temperature and duration, reducing the need to manually test the temperature and conserving water by prompting users when the water is ready and reminding them of shower time.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogenerator configured to generate power for the plurality of lighting elements and the light driver using water flowing from a water source to the plurality of water outlets
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor communicably coupled to the light driver. The temperature sensor may be configured to sense a temperature of the water flow
Implementation Method 3
The showerhead includes a plurality of lighting elements. The light driver is configured to control at least a subset of the plurality of lighting elements
Implementation Method 4
The showerhead includes a light reflector arranged along the inner cavity. one or more lighting elements arranged to direct light towards the light reflector. Light from the lighting elements is directed parallel to and opposite a direction of water flow
Implementation Method 5
The showerhead includes a light diffuser at least partially surrounding the shower face. The light diffuser receives light reflected from the light reflector and diffusing light outwardly from the light diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead includes a plurality of water outlets for providing a flow of water. The showerhead includes one or more lighting elements and a light driver communicably coupled to the one or more lighting elements. The light driver is configured to control at least a subset of the lighting elements to output light based on various conditions corresponding to the showerhead.