Spray head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable shower heads are difficult for elderly or disabled users with reduced manual dexterity and/or eyesight to use due to the complexity of rotating spray plates to alter water spray patterns.
Innovation Solution
A spray assembly with a fixed spray plate and a rotatable control member that adjusts fluid flow through different groups of holes without moving the spray plate, utilizing a flow control plate with teeth for direct or indirect drive and a diverter plate with fixed orientation to change spray patterns, allowing users to select spray modes by rotating the control member without rotating the spray plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable spray plate is used to select different spray holes, then spray pattern adjustment is achieved, but the device becomes difficult for elderly or disabled users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed spray plate with multiple hole groups, a separate rotatable control member with flow control openings, and a flow control plate. This segmentation allows the spray plate to remain stationary (easy to see and understand) while the control member handles the adjustment function (rotational movement that is easier to operate).
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control plate acts as an intermediary component between the control member and the spray plate. It receives rotational movement from the control member and translates it into selective opening/closing of flow paths to different hole groups, mediating the control action without requiring the spray plate itself to rotate.
2Ease of operation
If the spray plate is fixed, then the spray plate does not move when changing spray mode, but a separate control mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is nested within the existing spray head structure. The control member is positioned within the spray head body, and the flow control plate is nested between the control member and the spray plate. This nesting approach adds functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control plate features teeth on its outer circumference that automatically engage with corresponding teeth on the control member. This self-engaging mechanism eliminates the need for additional complex linkages or mounting structures, allowing the control mechanism to be simple and self-contained.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray assembly (110) for a spray head (200) which is arranged, in use, to adjust a spray pattern of fluid includes a spray plate (118) with a plurality of holes (132, 134) therethrough, and a control member (116) rotatable relative to the spray plate (118). In use, the orientation of the spray plate (118) is fixed and rotation of the control member (116) causes fluid to be directed to different groups of the plurality of holes (132, 134) through the spray plate (118). The spray assembly (110) further comprises at least one flow control opening (152) provided in a flow control plate (124) driven by rotation of the control member (116). The flow control opening (152) is arranged, in use, to be moved in response to rotation of the control member (116). The flow control plate (124) has teeth (142) on its outer circumference which interlock with teeth (146) on an outer circumference of an idler gear (148). The teeth (146) of the idler gear (148) interlock with teeth (144) on an inner circumference of the control member (116).