Telescopic Shower Arm Pump Control for Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Toilet shower systems face issues with inconsistent water pressure due to changes in flow cross-section during the extension of the shower arm, leading to reduced performance and inefficient water usage.

Innovation Solution

Monitoring hydraulic and electrical variables, such as water pressure and flow rate, to adjust the water pump's power output accordingly, ensuring optimal performance during extension and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the water pump operates at maximum power to extend the shower arm quickly and reliably, then the extension speed and reliability are improved, but the energy consumption increases and the shower jet intensity becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextension speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The water pump power is dynamically adjusted based on the extension state of the shower arm. The control unit monitors the position of the telescopic mechanism and automatically reduces the pump power from maximum level during extension to a lower level after extension is complete, optimizing both extension speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors that detect the extension state of the shower arm to control the water pump power. When the shower arm is detected to be in the extended position, the control unit automatically adjusts the pump power down from maximum to a reduced level, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the water pump operates at maximum power to overcome friction and extend the shower arm, then the reliability of extension is improved, but the water pressure becomes excessively high causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextension reliabilityVSAvoidexcessive water pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water pump power is dynamically adjusted based on the extension state of the shower arm. The control unit monitors the position of the telescopic mechanism and automatically reduces the pump power from maximum level during extension to a lower level after extension is complete, optimizing both extension reliability and preventing excessive water pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting the extension state before excessive pressure can occur. When the shower arm is detected to be extended, the control unit proactively reduces the pump power to prevent the harmful effect of excessively high water pressure from developing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Length of moving object

If the flow cross-section changes during extension, then the shower arm can be extended, but the water pressure becomes inconsistent and shower performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshower arm lengthVSAvoidwater pressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the extension state of the shower arm and adjusts the water pump power in response. When extension is detected, the system automatically reduces pump power to compensate for the changing flow cross-section, maintaining consistent water pressure and shower performance throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution ensures reliable and efficient extension of the shower arm with reduced energy usage, maintaining shower jet intensity and user-adjustable settings, while preventing excessive water pressure and improving overall system stability.

Implementation Method 1

The water pump can thus extend the shower arm by means of the transported water and move it against the friction between the telescopic elements and typically also against the force of a return mechanism, in particular a spring.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The water pump can thus extend the shower arm by means of the transported water and move it against the friction between the telescopic elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The water pump can thus extend the shower arm by means of the transported water and move it against the friction between the telescopic elements and typically also against the force of a return mechanism, in particular a spring.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3995636B1Toilet shower system with telescopic shower arm
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3995636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3995636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3995636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a toilet shower system with a shower arm (1) having a telescopic mechanism. In the retracted state, the flow cross-section for the shower water differs from that in the extended state of the shower arm (1), which is why the shower system can detect a change in a measured quantity (V') related to the transported water caused by this change. This allows the water pump (38), which is operated at high power to extend the shower arm (1), to be set to a value corresponding to the user setting.