Variable flow rate hand showers and showerheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low flow rate showerheads lack effectiveness in rinsing and maintaining warmth, with aftermarket solutions experiencing mounting issues due to size and weight imbalances, and being aesthetically unpleasing and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A shower device featuring an elongated hollow waterway with a spray head and valve, allowing for variable water flow adjustment through a rotating collar, magnetic docking for height adjustment, and an air induction element to reduce water consumption without compromising cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If low flow rate showerheads are used to reduce water consumption, then water usage is reduced, but rinsing effectiveness and warmth maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of water delivery by incorporating multiple spray patterns (rain, massage, mist) that optimize water distribution efficiency. The variable flow rate valve allows dynamic adjustment of flow parameters to maintain rinsing effectiveness at lower overall consumption levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead divides water delivery into multiple independent spray zones with different patterns and intensities. This segmentation allows targeted water application to different body areas, improving rinsing effectiveness while reducing total water usage compared to a single high-flow pattern.
2Loss of substance
If aftermarket adapter devices are added to reduce water flow, then water consumption is reduced, but mounting stability and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow control function directly into the showerhead body by integrating a variable flow rate valve and control mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate aftermarket adapter devices, maintaining mounting stability while achieving water conservation through built-in flow regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead incorporates multiple functions including flow rate control, multiple spray patterns, and height adjustment in a single integrated device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate devices, improving both mounting stability and aesthetic appearance while maintaining water conservation capabilities.
3Loss of substance
If variable flow rate control is integrated into the showerhead, then water consumption can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead incorporates a self-contained variable flow rate valve and control mechanism that operates independently without requiring external control systems. The user directly controls flow rate through an integrated control member, eliminating the need for complex external regulation systems while optimizing water consumption.
4Productivity
If multiple spray patterns are provided for effective rinsing, then rinsing effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead provides dynamic control over spray characteristics through multiple selectable patterns (rain, massage, mist) and a variable flow rate valve. Users can dynamically adjust spray intensity and pattern based on specific rinsing needs, achieving effective cleaning at lower water consumption levels by selecting appropriate patterns rather than relying on high overall flow.
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 on-demand water flow adjustment, improved mounting stability, and reduced water usage while maintaining effective rinsing and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the control member about the longitudinal direction relative to the waterway rotates the valve body relative to the waterway to provide a variable adjustment of the water flow rate to the spray head by changing a relative alignment between the fluid path and the port in the waterway
Implementation Method 2
Each of the one or more seals associates with one port and is carried by one or more projections extending inwardly from the valve body toward the waterway. The rotation of the control member relative to the waterway rotates each seal between a closed position, in which each seal covers the associated port to fluidly disconnect the fluid path from the internal fluid passage, and an open position, in which each seal uncovers the associated port to fluidly connect the internal fluid passage to the spray head through the fluid path and associated port
Data Source
AI summary
A shower device includes an elongated hollow waterway, a spray head configured to emit water, and a valve. The elongated hollow waterway extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end configured to receive water, a second end, and an internal fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end. The second end has a port extending in a radial direction from the internal fluid passage through the waterway. The valve is configured to control a water flow rate from the internal fluid passage of the waterway to the spray head. The valve includes a valve body that surrounds the port and a control member operatively coupled to the valve body and surrounding at least a portion of the valve body. Rotation of the control member and valve body relative to the waterway provides a variable adjustment of the water flow rate to the spray head.