Direct-Access Spray Selection Engine for Fast Pattern Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diverter valves for water delivery devices require a specific sequence to switch between multiple spray patterns, making it inconvenient for users to directly select desired patterns without cycling through undesired modes.
Innovation Solution
A direct-access spray diverter valve that allows users to select any spray pattern at any time through a single actuation, utilizing a configuration with a selection engine that fluidly couples an inlet connector to a sprayface assembly and controls flow to each nozzle, enabling direct switching between spray patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a diverter valve uses a sequential switching mechanism to control multiple spray patterns, then the device structure becomes simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must cycle through undesired modes to reach a desired spray pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve is segmented into multiple independent control elements (first control element and second control element) that can operate independently. Each control element controls a specific spray pattern, allowing users to directly select any spray pattern without cycling through others. This segmentation enables direct access to any spray pattern while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential switching mechanism to a multi-dimensional control system where multiple control elements operate in parallel. The first control element and second control element provide independent control dimensions, allowing users to select spray patterns directly without following a predetermined sequence. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction by enabling direct access while keeping the mechanism manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spray diverter provides four or more different spray patterns with sequential switching, then the adaptability increases, but the loss of time increases because users must cycle through multiple undesired modes to reach a desired pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control elements, each responsible for selecting a specific spray pattern. The first control element controls between one to three spray patterns, while the second control element controls the remaining spray patterns. This segmentation allows users to directly access any of the four or more spray patterns without cycling through undesired modes, eliminating time loss while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are pre-configured to provide direct access to specific spray patterns. Each control element is positioned and configured to enable immediate selection of its associated spray pattern(s) without requiring sequential operation. This preliminary arrangement of control elements eliminates the need to cycle through other patterns, reducing time loss while supporting four or more spray patterns.
3Ease of operation
If a diverter valve uses a single control element for sequential switching between spray patterns, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users who need to access specific patterns frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control elements (first control element and second control element), each managing specific spray patterns. This segmentation enables direct access to any spray pattern by operating only the relevant control element, significantly improving ease of operation. While the number of control elements increases, each element remains simple in structure, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control element is designed to be multi-functional, capable of controlling one or more spray patterns depending on the configuration. The first control element can control between one to three spray patterns, while the second control element controls the remaining patterns. This universal design allows each control element to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for excessive control elements and maintaining reasonable device complexity while enabling direct access to all spray patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A water delivery device includes an inlet connector, a sprayface assembly, and a selection engine. The inlet connector is configured to couple the water delivery device to a water supply. The sprayface assembly includes a plurality of nozzles that are configured to produce a plurality of spray patterns. The selection engine fluidly couples the inlet connector to the sprayface assembly and controls flow to each one of the plurality of nozzles to determine the spray pattern produced at the sprayface assembly. The selection engine is configured to switch directly from any one of the plurality of spray patterns to any other one of the plurality of spray patterns in response to a single actuation of the selection engine.