Spinning Showerhead Nozzles With Reduction Gear for Stable Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing showerhead designs fail to incorporate a reduction gear assembly that effectively reduces rotational velocity while increasing torque for rotating nozzles, resulting in inadequate spray patterns and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A showerhead assembly with a reduction gear assembly featuring a gear assembly comprising an inlet cover, ring gear, impeller, spur gear, carrier, and sun gear, which rotates nozzles to produce a flat-fan-shaped sheer stream and pinwheel-like massaging spray pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a gear mechanism is used to rotate nozzles, then spray coverage is improved, but rotational velocity becomes too high causing unstable spray pattern
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction gear assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the water flow source and the nozzle rotation system. This gear assembly reduces the rotational velocity while increasing torque, enabling stable and controlled nozzle rotation for improved spray coverage without excessive speed
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism changes the rotational parameters (velocity and torque) of the nozzles. By transforming the input rotation into reduced-velocity output rotation, the system achieves stable spray patterns with enhanced coverage area
2Area of stationary object
If nozzles rotate faster to increase coverage, then spray area increases, but spray feel and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction gear assembly acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between water flow rate and nozzle rotation speed. It allows nozzles to rotate at optimal speeds for user comfort while still achieving comprehensive spray coverage through controlled motion
3Stability of the object's composition
If gear assembly is added to control nozzle rotation, then spray pattern stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the kinetic energy of incoming water flow to automatically drive the gear assembly and rotate the nozzles. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external motors or power sources, achieving stable spray patterns without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The water flow itself serves as the driving force for the gear mechanism. By harnessing hydraulic energy from the water supply, the system achieves controlled nozzle rotation and stable spray patterns through fluid-powered gearing rather than mechanical motors
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 assembly provides consistent and steady nozzle rotation, improving spray coverage and user experience by dispersing high-force, high-velocity water for a more satisfying shower experience.
Implementation Method 1
Utilizing a reduction gear assembly in this manner could reduce the output speed and increase the torque of the rotating nozzles
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,701 describes a showerhead having a gear assembly having an impeller which rotates nozzles
Implementation Method 3
one or more nozzles configured to rotate and disperse a flat-fan-shaped sheer stream of water
Data Source
AI summary
A showerhead assembly is provided which includes a housing having a primary conduit, a front cover with one or more nozzles projecting therefrom, and a gear assembly. The front cover and the housing are affixed so as to form a cavity, wherein the gear assembly is assembled therewithin. The primary conduit is in fluid connection with the gear assembly, which is in fluid connection with the one or more nozzles so as to transport water therethrough. Moreover, a portion of the gear assembly is in toothed engagement with the nozzle(s). In this manner, as water enters the gear assembly, its components rotate and ultimately cause the nozzle(s) to rotate. The nozzles are configured to spray a flat, fan shaped spray of water, and can do so as at the same time as they rotate. As such, the showerhead assembly produces a pinwheel-like, massaging spray pattern. The nozzle can rotate synchronistically.