Telescoping Shower Bar Supply Assembly for Variable Wall Depths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower systems face challenges in accommodating varying wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths, leading to installation complexities and potential damage to the water supply pipe during installation.
Innovation Solution
The shower system features an adjustable supply assembly with a telescoping design and o-ring seals, allowing the shower bar to be securely attached to the wall while accommodating different wall thicknesses and water supply pipe positions, and includes a transfer valve assembly with a pivoting diverter stem to direct water flow between a showerhead and handshower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed shower system is installed, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths, leading to installation complexities and potential damage to the water supply pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a telescoping supply assembly that can adjust its length. The supply assembly includes a first portion and a second portion that can extend or retract relative to each other, allowing the system to adapt to different wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-size components, thus maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping supply assembly is used to accommodate varying installations, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the supply assembly into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured separately using standard components, and then assembled together. The seal component is also segmented, with a first seal portion and a second seal portion, making the sealing system easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining the telescoping functionality.
3Reliability
If a seal is added to maintain sealed connection during adjustment, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a seal component that acts as a mediator between the first and second portions of the supply assembly. This seal component includes a first seal portion and a second seal portion that work together to maintain a sealed connection during telescoping adjustments. The seal serves as an intermediary element that enables reliable sealing without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or multiple separate sealing systems.
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 easy and cost-effective installation in showers with varying wall thicknesses and water supply pipe depths, minimizing the risk of damaging the water supply pipe and providing flexible water distribution between the showerhead and handshower.
Implementation Method 1
The seal may include an o-ring between the adapter and the supply member
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a shower system having first and second shower members and connectable to a water supply with a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The assembly includes an adjustable supply assembly and a diverter valve. The adjustable supply assembly includes an adapter coupleable to the pipe outlet, a supply member having a supply outlet and coupled to the adapter for movement along the axis, and a seal positioned to provide a sealed connection in adjusted positions. The diverter valve includes a valve inlet in fluid communication with the supply outlet, and first and second valve outlets in fluid communication with the first and second shower members, respectively. The shower system is mounted in an enclosure having a wall. The adapter connects to the pipe outlet on one side of the wall, and the diverter valve is located on another side of the wall.