Single-Button Water Passage Switching Structure for Shower Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower heads with two spray modes are inadequate in meeting user needs as they become complex and costly when trying to incorporate more functions, requiring additional water passages and control structures.
Innovation Solution
A single-button water passage switching structure that uses a water inlet assembly and a water outlet assembly with multiple control assemblies and sealing mechanisms to switch between four different spray modes, including a pause mode, through a compact design with fewer parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more water passages and control structures are added to provide more spray modes, then the functionality and versatility of the shower head is improved, but the device complexity, size, and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single button structure. The button is integrated with a valve body that controls multiple water passages simultaneously, allowing one component to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate controls. This merging reduces the number of control structures while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple spray modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between different spray modes (shower, massage, strong spray) and control water flow. By making the button universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate controls for each spray mode, thereby reducing device complexity while improving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more water passages and control structures are added to provide more spray modes, then the functionality of the shower head is improved, but the product size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control mechanisms into a single integrated button assembly. Instead of having separate controls for each spray mode that would occupy additional space, the design combines all control functions into one compact unit, reducing the overall product volume while maintaining multiple spray mode capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control structures are nested within the valve body rather than being arranged externally. The button is positioned within the valve assembly, and internal passages are arranged in a compact, nested configuration. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, minimizing the external dimensions of the shower head.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more water passages and control structures are added to provide more spray modes, then the versatility of the shower head is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces production costs by merging multiple control components into a single button assembly. This consolidation means fewer parts to manufacture, assemble, and quality-check. The integrated design simplifies the manufacturing process compared to producing multiple separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal button that controls multiple spray modes, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured. Instead of producing separate controls for each function, a single multi-functional button is produced, which reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly operations, thereby lowering overall production costs.
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 the user to switch between multiple spray modes using a single button, reducing product size and cost while maintaining functionality, and achieving a compact structure with fewer parts.
Implementation Method 1
A first return spring is provided between the first end of the operating button and the first retaining member. Two ends of the first return spring lean against the first retaining member and the operating button to separate the first retaining member and the operating button.
Implementation Method 2
A second return spring is provided between the bottom of the first cavity and the sealing member. In an assembled state, the sealing member is biased by the second return spring to block the second water outlet.
Implementation Method 3
A third return spring is provided between the second sealing portion and the bottom of the second mounting chamber. In the assembled state, the third return spring presses the second sealing portion to block the opening of the third cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-button water passage switching structure includes a water inlet assembly and a water outlet assembly. The water inlet assembly includes a water inlet body, an operating button, a first control assembly, and a second control assembly. The water inlet body has a first mounting chamber and a second mounting chamber. The first mounting chamber and the second mounting chamber each have a water inlet and two water outlets. The first control assembly is configured to realize a pause mode, a first spray mode or the switching of water passages of the second mounting chamber. The second control assembly is configured to realize the switching of water passages of a second spray mode or a third spray mode. The operating button is configured to link the first control assembly and the second control assembly.