Direction-Controllable Sprinkler with Linked Trigger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sprinklers require inconvenient multiple trigger actions to achieve desired sprinkling directions, especially when trying to control identical sprinkling directions on both sides, as they often rely on single or dual trigger switches that necessitate repetitive triggering for symmetrical outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A single or dual sided direction-controllable sprinkler design featuring pivotally mounted trigger portions with adjustable nozzles and a fastener system that allows for simultaneous adjustment of both trigger protrusions, enabling secure connection and independent control to achieve four different sprinkling combinations with reduced steps and inaccuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional single trigger switch is used to control sprinkling direction, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because multiple trigger actions are required to achieve desired sprinkling directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two trigger switches into a single integrated trigger mechanism that can control both sprinkling directions simultaneously. The trigger portion includes a body with a trigger groove that receives a single trigger switch, which when pressed, actuates both the first and second trigger switches through connected lever mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs lever mechanisms that are pivotally mounted and can dynamically adjust their position based on trigger activation. The first and second levers are connected to the trigger switches and can rotate about their pivot points, allowing the system to dynamically respond to a single trigger action by simultaneously actuating both trigger switches, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If two trigger switches are used to control sprinkling directions on two sides, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because two trigger actions are needed to achieve the same effect

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of two separate trigger switches into a single integrated trigger mechanism. The trigger body contains a trigger groove that receives one trigger switch, which through lever connections simultaneously actuates both the first trigger switch (controlling first sprinkling direction) and the second trigger switch (controlling second sprinkling direction), thereby maintaining adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the trigger control function into independent lever mechanisms for each sprinkling direction, while maintaining a unified trigger activation point. The first lever connects the trigger switch to the first trigger switch, and the second lever connects the trigger switch to the second trigger switch, allowing independent control of each sprinkling direction through a single trigger action, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional sprinklers require multiple trigger actions for symmetrical outcomes, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple trigger activation functions into a single trigger mechanism, allowing simultaneous actuation of both trigger switches. This enables symmetrical sprinkling adjustments to be made in one action rather than requiring multiple sequential trigger presses, thereby significantly improving productivity (reducing adjustment time) while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of basic lever mechanisms and a unified trigger body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-positioning the lever mechanisms and trigger switches in such a way that a single trigger press automatically executes the coordinated adjustment of both sprinkling directions. The levers are pre-configured with pivot points and connection points that ensure simultaneous actuation when the trigger is pressed, eliminating the need for multiple sequential operations and thus improving productivity without adding complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3406345B1Single or dual sided direction-controllable sprinkler
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 YUAN MEI CORP
  • EP3406345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406345B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A single or dual sided direction-controllable sprinkler comprises two rotatable trigger portions slidably disposed on a main body. When one trigger portion is limited by a fastener, the two trigger portions have the same rotational position, and when the one trigger portion is not limited by the fastener, the rotational positions of the two trigger portions are controlled independently. The fastener is selectively connected to allow the user to selectively control one of the trigger portions or both of the trigger portions together so that various water sprinkling modes are available.