Wireless Shower Outlet Control Using Hydroelectric Remote Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional showers are inconvenient for children, elderly, and handicapped individuals to change outlet functions due to the high positioning of functional operators, and they pose a risk of injury from slipping and falling during use.

Innovation Solution

A shower facility equipped with a wireless remote control device that is signal-connected to a shower assembly, allowing for the control of outlet openings via a hydroelectricity device, enabling easy operation of outlet functions without physical strain and reducing the risk of injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the functional operator is positioned on the shower head, then the shower structure is simple, but it becomes inaccessible for children, elders and handicapped individuals to change outlet functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of outlet function controlVSAvoidshower structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless remote control device as an intermediary between the user and the shower system. The remote control transmits signals wirelessly to the control module, enabling users with limited mobility to operate shower functions without physically reaching the shower head. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing accessible control while maintaining relatively simple shower hardware structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical operation of manually adjusting outlets on the shower head with an electronic control system. The wireless remote control sends electromagnetic signals to the control module, which automatically adjusts the water outlets. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manipulation of high-mounted components, making the system accessible to children, elders and handicapped individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional shower stalls are used, then the structure is simple, but there is a risk of injury from slipping and falling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during bathingVSAvoidshower facility complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydroelectricity device automatically generates electrical energy from the flowing water itself, without requiring external power sources or complex wiring infrastructure. This self-powered approach enables safety features like wireless control and monitoring while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple and avoiding extensive modifications to the shower facility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless remote control acts as an intermediary that allows users to operate shower functions from a safe, dry position rather than standing in the water. The control module mediates between the user's commands and the shower system's responses, enabling safe operation for individuals at risk of slipping and falling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a wireless remote control device is added, then ease of operation improves for all users, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet function control convenienceVSAvoidshower system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless remote control device and control module are designed to provide multiple functions beyond simple outlet control, including the ability to adjust water temperature, control spray patterns, and potentially monitor shower usage. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple control features into a single integrated system that benefits all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with a streamlined electronic system. The wireless remote control with electromagnetic signaling and the electronic control module eliminate the need for multiple mechanical switches, knobs and linkages, actually reducing overall mechanical complexity while adding electronic intelligence for more precise and convenient control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 wireless remote control device facilitates convenient operation of shower functions for all users, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing safety by allowing control of water flow and outlet openings without the need for physical manipulation of high-mounted operators.

Implementation Method 1

a hydroelectricity device and an outlet control device electrically connected to the hydroelectricity device, wherein the hydroelectricity device could provide electricity to the outlet control device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydroelectricity: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The wireless remote control device is signal-connected to the shower assembly. When the wireless remote control device is operated to transmit an operating signal to the shower assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11000860B2Shower facility operated by wireless remote control device
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 PURITY XIAMEN SANITARY WARE CO LTD
  • US11000860B2 patent drawing
  • US11000860B2 patent drawing
  • US11000860B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shower facility includes a shower assembly and a wireless remote control device. The shower assembly includes a hydroelectricity device and an outlet control device electrically connected to the hydroelectricity device, wherein the hydroelectricity device could provide electricity to the outlet control device. The hydroelectricity device has an inlet opening, and the outlet control device has at least three outlet openings. The wireless remote control device is signal-connected to the shower assembly. When the wireless remote control device is operated to transmit an operating signal to the shower assembly, the outlet control device would receive the operating signal to control the opening and closing of the outlet openings, and one of the outlet openings communicates with the inlet opening.