Variable Dual Flow Fitting Plunger Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plumbing fittings, such as showerheads and spray heads, lack the ability to easily select and vary water flow rates, limiting user control over water usage.
Innovation Solution
A dual flow fitting with a plunger and housing body design that includes axial grooves and a seal member, allowing the plunger to move between low, high, and intermediate flow positions, varying the flow rate by altering the cross-sectional area of the grooves and seal engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional showerhead design is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot select between different flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to be movable within the housing body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the flow rate by varying the cross-sectional area of the grooves. The plunger can be positioned at different locations (first position for low flow, second position for high flow, and intermediate positions for variable flow rates), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter by varying the cross-sectional area of the grooves through plunger positioning. The grooves have different cross-sectional areas at different locations, and by moving the plunger to different positions, the effective flow area is adjusted, thereby changing the flow rate from low to high and all intermediate values.
2Loss of substance
If only fixed flow rate options are provided, then the device is simple, but water usage cannot be optimized for different needs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plunger enables dynamic flow rate adjustment, allowing users to switch between low flow rate (first position) for water conservation and high flow rate (second position) for comfort, as well as intermediate positions for variable flow rates. This dynamic adjustment capability optimizes water usage based on different user needs while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the plunger fully opens the second liquid passageway for high flow, then water pressure is maximized, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger can be dynamically positioned to control the degree of opening of the second liquid passageway. In the first position, the passageway is closed for low flow and conservation. In the second position, it is fully open for high flow and maximum productivity. Intermediate positions provide variable flow rates, allowing users to balance water consumption against flow rate requirements based on specific needs.
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 users to select between low and high flow rates, with intermediate options, optimizing water usage and flow control.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the grooves has a portion along which the cross-sectional area, and therefore the volume, of the groove varies over a length of the groove. This varying volume portion can be moved relative to a seal member... thus allowing for variation of the flow rate of water through the fitting.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dual flow fitting that permits a user to select between a first, low flow rate and a second, high flow rate, as well as variable flow rates there between. The fitting includes a plunger within a housing body. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are defined along either the inside of the housing body or the outside of the plunger. At least one of the grooves has a varying portion along which the cross-sectional area of the groove varies over a length of the groove. This varying portion can be moved relative to a seal member positioned between the housing body and the plunger, thus allowing for variation of the flow rate through the fitting. The larger the cross-sectional area of the groove(s) at the point of contact with the seal member, the greater the flow rate through the fitting.