Variable Flow Wand With Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wands lack the ability to provide variable flow and locking mechanisms, limiting their functionality and user control over water flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A wand design incorporating a shell, waterway, flow module, flow actuator module, and flow lock module, which allows for movement between different flow positions and locking mechanisms to control water flow rates, enabling variable flow and locking features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wand provides fixed flow rate, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism is designed to be movable between at least two positions, allowing the wand to dynamically adjust between a first flow rate and a second flow rate. This dynamic capability enables the same device structure to serve multiple flow rate needs, improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate wands.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a flow control mechanism that can operate in different positions. The same basic wand structure can deliver different flow rates, making it a universal solution that replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized wands for different flow rate requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wand allows continuous flow adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining desired flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism is designed with predetermined positions that correspond to specific flow rates. Rather than requiring continuous adjustment, the user can select from pre-established flow rate positions, making it easier to maintain the desired flow rate without constant manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism incorporates a feature where the position of the flow controller provides visual or tactile feedback to the user about the current flow rate setting. This feedback mechanism helps users confirm the selected flow rate and maintain it consistently without needing to continuously monitor and adjust the flow.
3Reliability
If a wand lacks locking mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of maintaining selected flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism includes a locking feature that automatically engages when the flow controller reaches a selected position. This self-locking capability maintains the desired flow rate without requiring continuous user intervention or complex external locking mechanisms, achieving reliability through a relatively simple integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A wand with variable flow and a flow lock is provided. The wand comprises a shell, a waterway, a flow module, a flow actuator module, and a flow lock module. The waterway includes a first flow passage and a second flow passage. The flow module is operable to be disposed between the first flow passage and the second flow passage. The flow module includes a flow control mechanism that is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The flow actuator module includes a flow actuation mechanism that is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The flow lock module includes a lock mechanism that is operable to move between a first position and a second position. When the lock mechanism is in the first position, the flow control mechanism is operable to move between the first position and the second position. When the lock mechanism is in the second position, the flow control mechanism is not operable to move between the first position and the second position and is locked in the second position. When the lock mechanism is in the second position, the lock mechanism is operable to move from the second position to the first position by at least one of actuating the flow actuation mechanism and actuating the lock mechanism. When the lock mechanism is moved from the second position to the first position, the flow control mechanism is moved from the second position to the first position.