Handheld Sprayer Assembly with Selector Valve and Dryer Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayer assemblies lack the functionality to efficiently perform personal hygienic cleansing and general cleaning tasks near a toilet, particularly in terms of water control, spray adjustment, and drying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A handheld sprayer assembly with a hose connected to a toilet water supply, featuring a spray head with a selector valve, flow actuator, spray adjuster, dryer module, and a light source, allowing for controlled water spray, adjustment, and air drying, along with a reservoir for soap solution and mounting options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld sprayer is connected to a toilet water supply, then water spray functionality is provided for personal hygiene and cleaning, but water control and spray adjustment capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head incorporates a selector valve with multiple positions that allow dynamic adjustment of water flow patterns. The valve enables users to switch between different spray modes (e.g., continuous spray, intermittent spray, different flow rates) to adapt to various hygiene and cleaning needs, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides adjustable spray parameters including flow rate, spray pattern, and activation timing. By enabling users to change these parameters through the selector valve and actuator mechanisms, the system achieves both versatile spray functionality and easy water control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions (spray, dry, light) are integrated into the sprayer assembly, then user convenience is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld sprayer assembly integrates multiple functions including water spraying, air drying, and illumination into a single device. The spray head serves as a universal component that can switch between different modes (spray/dry) while the housing accommodates both the dryer module and light source. This multi-functional design enhances user convenience by providing comprehensive hygiene solutions in one tool, while the modular architecture helps manage the inherent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the spray mechanism, dryer module, and light source into a single integrated assembly. The spray head merges water delivery and air drying functions, while the housing consolidates structural support, battery power, and control elements. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies user interaction, though it does increase internal complexity that is managed through careful modular design.
3Ease of operation
If a selector valve and flow actuator are added to control water flow, then spray control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a selector valve for mode selection, a flow actuator for activation control, and the spray head for delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control logic, making the device easier to operate despite the added mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the water flow system. It translates simple positional selections into complex flow control actions, thereby improving spray control without requiring the user to directly manage complex valve mechanisms. The actuator serves as another intermediary that converts user activation into precise flow modulation.
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 effective personal hygiene and cleaning tasks with adjustable water spray patterns, soap dispensing, and air drying, enhancing user convenience and cleanliness around the toilet area.
Implementation Method 1
a dryer module, and a light source, allowing for controlled water spray, adjustment, and air drying
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld sprayer assembly for personal hygienic cleansing and general cleaning tasks includes a hose having a first end, which is couplable to a water supply line that supplies water to a tank of a toilet. A spray head is coupled to a second end of the hose. A selector valve is positioned in the spray head and defines an entry chamber and an exit chamber within the interior space. A flow actuator is engaged to the spray head and is operationally coupled to the selector valve. The spray head can be grasped in a hand of a user, positioning the user to selectively actuate the flow actuator to actuate the selector valve. Water then passes from the entry chamber into the exit chamber and is sprayed from the spray head, allowing the user to perform personal hygienic cleansing and general cleaning tasks in proximity to the toilet.