Hydraulically Balanced Water-Stop Switch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temporary water-stop structures in shower heads are laborious to operate due to high resistance caused by unbalanced water pressure, making it inconvenient to switch the water supply on and off.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulically balanced water-stop switch mechanism featuring a water-stop plug, a water passage pipe with an inner and outer pipe, and a switch assembly that includes a push rod, an automatic retractable and locking mechanism, and a sealing ring with a ventilation hole, allowing the water-stop plug to move smoothly by balancing pressure on both ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a temporary water-stop structure is integrated in the hand-held shower head, then the user can switch water supply on and off conveniently, but the water-stop plug is easily affected by water pressure resulting in greater resistance to movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidresistance to movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a balanced pressure environment by forming a chamber between the water-stop plug and the closed end of the inner pipe, with a ventilation hole allowing air to enter. This equalizes the pressure on both sides of the water-stop plug, eliminating the pressure differential that causes resistance during movement, thereby enabling smooth operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance through the ventilation hole to balance the pressure in the chamber. This air pressure acts as a mediator to counterbalance the water pressure on the water-stop plug, reducing the force required to move the plug and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 mechanism reduces operational resistance, making it easier to switch the water supply on and off by balancing water pressure, enhancing user convenience and reducing effort required.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing ring is provided between the water-stop plug and the inner pipe to form a chamber between the water-stop plug and the closed end, and the chamber is provided with a ventilation hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic balance: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS20240408624A1Hydraulically balanced water-stop switch mechanism and shower head having same
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 XIAMEN DELMEI SANITARY WARE
  • US20240408624A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408624A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408624A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulically balanced water-stop switch mechanism includes a water passage pipe, a water passage is formed between an inner pipe and an outer pipe of the water passage pipe. One end of the inner pipe is a closed end, and the other end is movably provided with a water-stop plug. A switch assembly is configured to cause movement of the water-stop plug. A chamber is formed between the water-stop plug and the closed end in the water passage pipe, and the chamber is provided with a ventilation hole. Preferably, the switch assembly includes a push rod, a automatic retractable and locking mechanism as applied in a ballpoint pen, and a elastic reset member for causing the water-stop plug to move toward the water outlet.