Water Outlet Control Structure With Automatic Flow Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water outlet devices with multiple control buttons for different water spray patterns and flow rates become cumbersome to operate and often require manual resetting after turning off the water, leading to potential high-flow issues if not reset correctly.
Innovation Solution
A control structure with an automatic reset function that utilizes a movable member, elastic members, and guiding surfaces to automatically return to its initial state when the water is turned off, ensuring proper operation and preventing misoperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control buttons are added to provide various water spray patterns and flow rates, then the functionality and versatility of the water outlet device is improved, but the operational complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control structure. The control member integrates flow rate adjustment and spray pattern selection into one unified mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons. This merging approach maintains versatile functionality while significantly simplifying the user interface and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. It can adjust flow rates, switch between different spray patterns, and automatically reset, all through a single control mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of control elements needed while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Device complexity
If manual resetting of water flow buttons is required after turning off water, then the device structure is simplified, but the user experience and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure incorporates an automatic reset mechanism that enables the control member to self-reset to its initial position after water flow stops. The elastic member provides the restoring force that automatically returns the control member without requiring user intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual resetting while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the cessation of water flow triggers the automatic reset action. The elastic member detects the change in water pressure and initiates the reset sequence, creating a closed-loop system that automatically corrects the control member's position based on water flow status, thereby improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If the control member remains in high-flow state after turning off water, then the device structure is simpler, but harmful effects and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-configured to exert a restoring force on the control member, creating a counteracting force that prevents the control member from remaining in a high-flow state after water flow stops. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the control member is automatically pushed back to its initial low-flow or closed position, eliminating the harmful unintended high-flow state before it can cause issues.
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
The automatic reset function enhances user experience by eliminating the need for manual resetting and preventing unintended high-flow states, ensuring consistent and correct operation of the water outlet device.
Implementation Method 1
the movable member is configured to move from the second position to the first position due to the first elastic member when the water is turned off
Implementation Method 2
The control member is driven by a second elastic member to cooperate with the one or more first guiding surfaces to enable the control member to move to an initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A control structure with an automatic reset function when water is turned off includes a movable member, a first elastic member, a fixed member, and a control member. The movable member is configured to move from a first position to a second position when the water is turned on, and the movable member is configured to move from the second position to the first position due to the first elastic member when the water is turned off. When the movable member is at the first position, the movable member and the fixed member are combined to define a one or more first guiding surfaces. The control member is driven by a second elastic member to cooperate with the one or more first guiding surfaces to enable the control member to move to an initial position along an extending direction of the one or more first guiding surfaces.