Showerhead Adjustable Jets via Membrane and Disc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showerheads with a single row of jet outlet elements lack versatility and ease of handling, as they do not allow for adjustable water direction without additional levers or actuation elements, which can compromise aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead with jet outlet elements arranged on a surface, specifically as adjustable nipples with a forced guiding mechanism, allowing for directional change through a displaceable disc and membrane, enabling user-adjustable water jet direction without external levers, and featuring a level surface design with aesthetic cover options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jet outlet elements are arranged in a single row, then the structure is simple, but the application versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The jet outlet elements are arranged on a surface (two-dimensional plane) rather than a single row (one-dimensional line), enabling multiple jet directions to be achieved within the same housing footprint. This dimensional transition allows the showerhead to provide versatile application options without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If additional levers or actuation elements are added for direction adjustment, then directional adjustability is improved, but the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the housing structure itself. The housing incorporates internal guiding mechanisms and movable components that allow direction adjustment without requiring external levers or actuation elements. This integration maintains the aesthetic appearance while providing full directional adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides its own adjustment capability through integrated movable components and guiding mechanisms. The user can directly adjust the jet direction by manipulating the housing or its integrated components, eliminating the need for separate adjustment levers that would compromise appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If jet outlet elements are made movable for direction adjustment, then directional flexibility is improved, but the sealing reliability becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used as the mounting surface for the jet outlet elements. This membrane can deform to accommodate movement of the jet outlets while maintaining sealing integrity. The flexible material allows directional adjustment while preventing water leakage, thus ensuring sealing reliability during movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead contains a chamber in connection with a connecting nozzle, said chamber from which the water is discharged from plurality of nipples formed on a membrane formed out of elastomeric material. The nipples feature a duct for the shower water. The nipples penetrate through openings of a perforated disc through the openings slightly larger than the outside diameter of the nipple. By shifting the perforated disc in a plane parallel to the membrane featuring the nipples, the direction of the nipple and thus the direction of the water jets discharged from the nipples will be changed. This adjustment can occur in two directions that are perpendicular to one another. The membrane is preferably approximately plane in shape, so that a front surface of the showerhead is likewise plane in shape.