Touch-Controlled Shower Head Spray Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower heads require manual dexterity to select spray modes, which can be inconvenient for users with limited dexterity, and do not leverage touch-based control technology commonly used in other consumer products.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive shower head with a user interface, such as a ring surrounding the fluid outlets, that allows users to select spray modes through touch inputs, and an optional remote selector mechanism for wireless communication to change spray modes, utilizing a diverter plate and motor to adjust fluid flow for different spray configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual dial is used to select spray modes, then the shower head provides multiple spray configurations, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dial system with an electronic control system featuring a touch-sensitive display. The touch-sensitive device detects user input through capacitance or resistive changes when touched, eliminating the need for manual dial manipulation. This substitution maintains the ability to select multiple spray modes while dramatically improving ease of operation for users with limited dexterity, as touch interfaces require minimal physical effort and can be operated with a simple tap.
2Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive controls are integrated into the shower head, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display serves multiple functions: it displays the current spray mode, allows mode selection through touch input, and provides visual feedback about system status. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component rather than separate controls for each function, the patent improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The integrated nature of the touch interface means one component handles what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display acts as an intermediary between the user and the spray control system. Rather than directly manipulating mechanical diverter components, the user interacts with the intuitive touch interface, which then translates these inputs into appropriate control signals for the spray mechanism. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while isolating the complexity of the control logic within the electronic system, making the overall device more user-friendly despite the added complexity.
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 intuitive selection of spray modes using touch-based controls, improving accessibility for users with limited dexterity and providing a convenient user experience by integrating touch-sensitive technology into shower heads.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more touch-sensitive devices include a capacitive touch-sensitive device
Implementation Method 2
the one or more touch-sensitive devices include a resistive touch-sensitive device
Implementation Method 3
the shower head further includes a motor (e.g., a DC motor) coupled to the diverter plate, the motor being configured to move the diverter plate relative to the spray face
Implementation Method 4
a fluid flow path configured to direct fluid from the fluid source to the spray face
Data Source
AI summary
A shower head includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a fluid source, a spray face having a plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid flow path from the fluid source to the spray face, and a diverter positioned in the fluid flow path which is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the diverter being switchable between different spray configurations associated with different spray modes of the shower head. A user interface for selecting the shower spray mode is positioned on a peripheral portion of the spray face, the user interface including one or more touch-sensitive devices configured to receive one or more touch inputs from a user during operation of the shower head and configured to cause the diverter to switch from one spray configuration to another spray configuration in response to receiving the one or more touch inputs from the user.