Pull-out Spray Head Button Structure Water Pressure Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out spray heads with multiple functions face difficulties in seamless switching between spray modes due to water pressure affecting the return springs, leading to inconsistent operation, especially when the springs are not aged equally.

Innovation Solution

A button structure comprising a main body, first and second switching assemblies, and an operating assembly with a pivot portion, actuating members, and a return structure that includes elastic pieces and a spring to facilitate smooth switching between spray modes by counteracting water pressure and ensuring proper return to equilibrium states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If return springs are used to enable switching assemblies to return to equilibrium state, then the switching assembly can automatically return after actuation, but water pressure counteracts the elastic force and prevents complete returning, especially when springs are not aged equally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching return reliabilityVSAvoidswitching completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a water pressure compensation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the water pressure force and the return spring. This compensation mechanism includes a compensation chamber that receives water pressure and converts it into a compensating force, which then acts on the switching assembly to assist the return spring in overcoming water pressure resistance during the return process, ensuring complete and reliable switching return.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force parameters of the switching system by introducing a water pressure compensation force that dynamically adjusts based on water pressure conditions. The compensation force varies with water pressure levels, providing additional assistance when water pressure is high and reducing assistance when water pressure is low, thereby maintaining consistent switching performance across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a single button controls multiple spray modes through multiple switching assemblies, then the device becomes compact and easy to operate, but water pressure affects the return springs differently, making full switching difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation convenienceVSAvoidspray mode switching reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The water pressure compensation mechanism serves multiple functions: it compensates for water pressure effects on return springs, assists in returning switching assemblies to equilibrium, and ensures consistent operation across all spray modes. This single mechanism addresses the reliability issue for all switching operations controlled by the single button.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable and efficient switching between spray modes, improving user experience by maintaining consistent water discharge and preventing issues related to spring aging disparities.

Implementation Method 1

a return structure disposed between the actuating chamber and the pivot portion for returning the switching button in a direction away from the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the return structure includes elastic pieces and a spring to facilitate smooth switching between spray modes by counteracting water pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11225782B2Button structure of pull-out spray head

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 XIAMEN FOR BETTER SANITARY WARE

AI summary

A button structure of a pull-out spray head includes a main body, an operating assembly, and two switching assemblies. The two switching assembles are disposed on the main body and configured to switch spray modes of the pull-out spray head. The two switching assembles are linked with the operating assembly. A return structure is provided for the operating assembly to drive the switching assemblies to counter the water pressure and to be returned in place, so that the spray modes of the pull-out spray head can be switched in place to ensure water discharge of the pull-out spray head so as to improve the user experience.