Adjustable Water Flow Regulator with Rotating Ramp Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-saving devices require disassembly for multi-stage flow regulation and do not allow for easy adjustment of water flow without releasing the end sleeve of the water tap.
Innovation Solution
An elongated basket with a permeable bottom and a reinforced ring, featuring an adjustment regulator with ramp segments and grooves, allows for multi-stage flow regulation by rotating the adjustment regulator without disassembling the device, utilizing a flexible bottom to adapt to varying water pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing water-saving devices are used, then water flow can be restricted, but multi-stage flow regulation requires disassembly of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment regulator is segmented into a body and a separate adjustment element with lateral protrusions that engage with grooves in the end sleeve. This segmentation allows the adjustment element to be independently rotated and repositioned without disassembling the entire device, enabling multi-stage flow regulation through simple rotational movements that engage different groove positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element is designed to be dynamically repositionable through rotation, with lateral protrusions that can engage with multiple grooves at different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the user to switch between different flow regulation stages by simply rotating the adjustment element, transforming a static device into one with multiple adjustable states without requiring disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment regulator is made accessible from the bottom, then flow regulation can be performed without disassembly, but the basket must be elongated increasing device volume
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment regulator is positioned and made accessible from the bottom dimension of the device, allowing users to operate the adjustment element from below without requiring horizontal or lateral access. This dimensional approach to accessibility enables flow regulation without disassembly while the elongation of the basket provides the necessary vertical space to accommodate the adjustment mechanism within the existing footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ramp segments are used for flow regulation, then multi-stage adjustment is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp segments are designed with specific geometric features (starting edge, lifting end edge, mirror opposite arrangement) that create distinct flow regulation stages. By concentrating the precision requirements to specific local features of the ramp segments rather than the entire component, the manufacturing complexity is managed while still achieving multi-stage adjustment capability through the localized geometric variations.
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, multi-stage flow regulation without disassembling the device, maintaining consistent water pressure across different floors and preventing limescale formation, while allowing visual observation of flow changes.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment element in the form of a pair of ramp segments is provided which are arranged opposite each other... the upper surfaces of the ramp segments are shaped so, that at the beginning of their lead have they have a starting edge and at the end of the lead they have a lifting end edge
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a flexible bottom to adapt to varying water pressures
Implementation Method 3
the basket is elongated, has a permeable bottom with an opening in the middle, which is located in a reinforced ring
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The water saving device comprises a basket assembly (50), a distribution element (30) and a adjustment regulator (40). The upper shank (41) fits into the opening (39) on the lower face of the collar (31) and the ramp segments (38) on the lower face of the collar (31) engage the ramp segments (48) of the adjustment regulator (40). On the reinforced ring (54) of the basket (50) the adjustment regulator (40) is seated with its lower surface. The adjustment regulator (40) is rotatably seated in the basket (50) in its central opening (52) around which the central reinforced support ring (54) is arranged with its lower shank (43). As indicated by the bottom arrow, the regulator (40) only rotates in both directions. And as indicated by the arrow above, the distribution element (30) moves up and down, according to the sense of rotation of the adjustment regulator (40).