Jet oscillator

Abstract

A jet oscillator includes an oscillator body, the oscillator body including: an outer surface; an inner surface that defines a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication, the three-dimensional space including a first fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a first pair of feedback flow paths and a second fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a second pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region intersect.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a jet oscillator and a sanitary appliance including the jet oscillator. In some embodiments, the jet oscillator is a passive 3D oscillator. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Showerheads typically include a plurality of small annular nozzles designed to wet a certain area and provide a pleasant shower experience. To achieve the desired effect, a large number of nozzles are employed and a large amount of water is consumed.

[0003] There is a need for a water-saving showerhead that can deliver water to a designated area while providing a pleasant shower experience and the required cleaning and rinsing effects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, a jet oscillator is disclosed that includes an oscillator body, the oscillator body including: an outer surface; an inner surface that defines a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication, the three-dimensional space including a first fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a first pair of feedback flow paths and a second fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a second pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region cross to provide fluid communication through the three-dimensional space.

[0005] A sanitary appliance is also disclosed that includes one or more jet oscillators according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Additionally, where considered appropriate, reference numerals are repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0007] Figure 1A A perspective view of a jet oscillator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 1B A cutaway view of a jet oscillator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 1C A view of the internal three-dimensional space of a jet oscillator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 1D A cross-sectional view of a jet oscillator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 Shows a showerhead including a plurality of jet oscillators according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 Provides a cross-sectional view of jet oscillators 1 to 8 according to Example 2 of some embodiments. Detailed Description

[0013] Figure 1A Shows a jet oscillator 100 according to one embodiment. Visible is the outer surface of the oscillator body 102. Shown is a plane 101 on the downstream end of the oscillator body 102. The plane 101 is flush with the outlet 104. A conduit 103 is coupled to the upstream end of the body 102. The outlet 104 includes an outwardly flared wall 105. The jet oscillator 100 includes outer walls (or fins) 106. The walls 106 are arranged at approximately 90 degrees to each other. Fluid is configured to enter the jet oscillator through the conduit 103 at the upstream end and exit through the outlet 104 at the downstream end.

[0014] Figure 1B Provides a cutaway view of the jet oscillator 100 according to one embodiment. Visible is the conduit 103 located upstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 107. The inlet 107 is in fluid communication with the outlet 104. Also visible are the feedback flow paths 108a and 108b. The feedback flow paths 108a form a pair and are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart. Similarly, the feedback flow paths 108b are another pair and are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart. The conduit 103 includes a generally cylindrical bore 109. In this embodiment, the feedback flow paths 108 are arranged approximately 90 degrees apart.

[0015] Figure 1C Shows a cutaway view of the inner surface defining the internal three-dimensional space of the jet oscillator 100 according to an embodiment. Visible are the conduit bore 109, the fluid inlet 107, and the fluid outlet 104. The fluid inlet 107 tapers inwardly (downward). The fluid outlet 104 includes an outwardly flared wall 105. The feedback flow paths (feedback loops) 108a and 108b are arranged approximately 90 degrees apart from each other. The first pair of feedback flow paths 108a is coupled to the first fluid interaction region 110a. The second pair of feedback flow paths 108b is coupled to the second fluid interaction region 110b. The first fluid interaction region 110a and the second fluid interaction region 110b cross. The intersection of the fluid interaction regions provides a central bore 111 through the body 102 of the jet oscillator 100. The internal space is in fluid communication throughout. The thickness t of the feedback flow path 108a or 108b is approximately 1.5 mm in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 1DA perspective view of a jet oscillator 100 according to one embodiment is shown. Shown is a conduit 103 including an orifice 109, an inwardly tapered fluid inlet 107, a fluid outlet 104 having an outwardly flared wall 105, and a pair of feedback flow paths 108 coupled to a fluid interaction region 110. In the present embodiment, the body 102 has a maximum diameter (or width) of approximately 32.1 mm; the orifice 109 has a diameter of approximately 5.2 mm, and the conduit 103 has an outer diameter of approximately 10.4 mm; the fluid inlet 107 has a maximum diameter of approximately 4.0 mm; the fluid outlet 104 has a maximum diameter of approximately 6.1 mm and a minimum diameter of approximately 3.9 mm; and the fluid interaction region 110 has a central maximum dimension d of approximately 11.6 mm L and a minimum dimension d of approximately 5.7 mm S .

[0017] Figure 2 A showerhead 200 including a plurality of jet oscillators 100 according to one embodiment is depicted. The orientation of the jet oscillators 100 relative to the oscillator body wall (and thus the feedback flow paths) is randomly directed. The jet oscillators 100 are oriented relative to each other in a regular pattern

[0018] In some embodiments, a jet oscillator includes an oscillator body having a continuous outer surface and a continuous inner surface defining a three-dimensional space. The three-dimensional space includes a fluid flow passage configured to excite and provide an oscillating jet of fluid. The oscillator body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, and the three-dimensional space within the body are in fluid communication

[0019] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional space includes a first fluid interaction region coupled to a first pair of fluid feedback flow paths or fluid feedback loops; and a second fluid interaction region coupled to a second pair of fluid feedback flow paths; and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region cross. In some embodiments, the cross-region provides a generally cylindrical bore from the inlet to the outlet. In other embodiments, the cross-region may assume other three-dimensional shapes

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the oscillator body may have any shape, such as a smooth spherical shape, a "soccer ball" type shape, a spherical shape, an oblate spheroid, or a shape having walls, edges, and / or points. The oscillator body shape may be symmetric or asymmetric. In some embodiments, the oscillator body shape may include walls, where the walls correspond to fluid feedback passages disposed therein. In some embodiments, the body walls may be substantially evenly spaced, such as where four walls form a cross. In other embodiments, the body walls may be unevenly spaced, such as where four walls form an X shape, with angles between the walls less than and greater than 90 degrees

[0021] The feedback flow paths can be positioned at approximately 90 degrees relative to adjacent feedback flow paths. In some embodiments, the feedback flow paths can be positioned at less than or greater than approximately 90 degrees relative to adjacent feedback flow paths. In some embodiments, a pair of feedback flow paths can be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart. The positioning of the feedback flow paths can be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0022] In some embodiments, the jet oscillator includes a conduit that is coupled to the body at the upstream end of the body. The conduit can be in fluid communication with the body inlet. In some embodiments, the conduit can have a generally cylindrical bore. In some embodiments, the oscillator body and the conduit can be an integral construction. In other embodiments, the oscillator body and the conduit can be formed separately and coupled together. The jet oscillator can be without moving parts.

[0023] In some embodiments, the conduit bore can share an axis with the central body bore. In other embodiments, the conduit bore can be positioned at an angle, for example, from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 90 degrees or greater, relative to the body fluid inlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the jet oscillator can include a plane at the downstream end. The plane can be flush with the oscillator outlet. In other embodiments, the outlet can extend beyond the face of the downstream body. In some embodiments, the oscillator outlet can have an outwardly flared wall. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet can be inwardly tapered. The fluid inlet can be symmetrically inwardly tapered or asymmetrically inwardly tapered; "inwardly tapered" means a decreasing inner diameter from upstream to downstream.

[0025] Plumbing fixtures, such as showerheads, faucets, body spray nozzles for walk-in bathtubs, etc., can include one or more jet oscillators of the present invention. The plumbing fixtures of the present invention can be configured to provide an effective and pleasing water flow while consuming less water. Multiple jet oscillators can be positioned in a symmetric pattern, or can be positioned asymmetrically in or on the plumbing fixture. The multiple jet oscillators can be randomly oriented, or can be oriented in a pattern relative to oscillator walls or fins. For example, a jet oscillator having walls or fins can have walls or fins that are randomly oriented or oriented in a regular pattern. In one embodiment, multiple jet oscillators can be symmetrically positioned in or on the plumbing fixture and have oscillator walls or fins that are oriented in a regular pattern or randomly oriented.

[0026] The jet oscillator can be configured to be coupled to a pressurized fluid source. After introducing the pressurized fluid source into the jet oscillator, the fluid will be discharged in an oscillating manner. The fluid can oscillate through the x-y and x-z planes from the central axis.

[0027] In some embodiments, the jet oscillator may comprise one or more thermoplastic polymers, such as one or more of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polystyrenes, mixtures thereof, or copolymers thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments, the jet oscillator may be prepared via thermoplastic forming techniques including injection molding, rotational molding, or 3D printing.

[0029] The jet oscillator described herein is not limited to use in sanitary appliances. In some embodiments, the jet oscillator of the present invention may be used in any desired fluid delivery system, such as for fuel injectors, windshield wiper fluid nozzles, sprinkler systems, fire extinguisher nozzles, etc. The jet oscillator of the present invention may also be suitable for delivering oscillating airflows.

[0030] In some embodiments, a passively controlled 3D jet oscillator is disclosed, which includes an oscillator body comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface that defines a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication, the three-dimensional space includes a first fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a first pair of feedback flow paths and a second fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a second pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region cross, resulting in 3D oscillation of the fluid jet as it exits the fluid outlet. In some embodiments, "passive" means without moving parts.

[0031] The following are some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] In a first embodiment, a jet oscillator is disclosed, the jet oscillator including an oscillator body comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface that defines a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication, the three-dimensional space includes a first fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a first pair of feedback flow paths and a second fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a second pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region cross, thereby providing fluid communication through the three-dimensional space.

[0033] In a second embodiment, a jet oscillator according to the first embodiment is disclosed, wherein the body includes a plane, and wherein the fluid outlet is flush with the plane. In a third embodiment, a jet oscillator according to the first or second embodiment is disclosed, wherein the outlet includes an outwardly flared wall.

[0034] In a fourth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the outer surface of the body includes an outer wall (or fin). In a fifth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the outer surface of the body includes an outer wall, and the angle between adjacent outer walls is about 90 degrees. In a sixth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the outer surface of the body includes an outer wall, and the angle between adjacent outer walls is less than or greater than 90 degrees.

[0035] In a seventh embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, which includes a conduit that is coupled to and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. In an eighth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to the seventh embodiment is disclosed, wherein the conduit includes a generally cylindrical bore. In a ninth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to the seventh or eighth embodiment is disclosed, wherein the oscillator body and the conduit are integrally constructed.

[0036] In a tenth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the fluid inlet tapers inwardly from upstream to downstream.

[0037] In an eleventh embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the three-dimensional space includes a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet, and the fluid passage is formed by the intersection of the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region. In a twelfth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to the eleventh embodiment is disclosed, wherein the fluid passage formed by the intersection is generally cylindrical.

[0038] In a thirteenth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein each feedback flow path is positioned at about 90 degrees to an adjacent feedback flow path.

[0039] In a fourteenth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, which does not include moving parts. In a fifteenth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the jet oscillator is a passive 3D oscillator.

[0040] In a sixteenth embodiment, a jet oscillator according to any of the foregoing embodiments is disclosed, wherein the intersection of the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region provides a central body bore.

[0041] In a seventeenth embodiment, a sanitary appliance is disclosed, which includes one or more jet oscillators according to any one of the foregoing embodiments. In an eighteenth embodiment, a sanitary appliance according to the seventeenth embodiment is disclosed, which is selected from a shower head or a faucet head. In a nineteenth embodiment, a sanitary appliance according to the seventeenth or eighteenth embodiment is disclosed, which includes a plurality of jet oscillators.

[0042] In a twentieth embodiment, a sanitary appliance according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments is disclosed, wherein the jet oscillator is randomly oriented with respect to the oscillator body wall. In a twenty - first embodiment, a sanitary appliance according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments is disclosed, wherein the jet oscillator is oriented in a pattern with respect to the oscillator body wall. In a twenty - second embodiment, a sanitary appliance according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty - first embodiments is disclosed, wherein the jet oscillator is positioned in or on the appliance in a symmetric pattern.

[0043] The term "adjacent" may mean "near" or "close to" or "next to".

[0044] The term "coupled" means that one element is "attached to" or "associated with" another element. Coupling may mean direct coupling or coupling through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential or non - sequential manner. The term "via" with respect to an element may mean "through" the element or "by" the element. Coupling or "associated with" may also mean elements that are not directly or indirectly attached, but they are "combined" together because one can act with the other.

[0045] The term "fluidly connected" means, for example, being configured for a liquid or gas to flow through it and may be synonymous with "fluidly coupled". The terms "upstream" and "downstream" indicate the direction of gas or fluid flow, i.e., the gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0046] The term "towards" with respect to an attachment point may mean exactly at that position or point, or alternatively, may mean closer to that point compared to another different point. For example, "towards the center" means closer to the center than to the edge.

[0047] The term "like" means similar, but not necessarily exactly the same. For example, "annular" means substantially shaped like a ring, but not necessarily a perfect circle.

[0048] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" refer to one or more than one (e.g., at least one) grammatical object. Any range cited herein is inclusive. The term "about" is used throughout to describe and account for small fluctuations. For example, "about" may mean that the value can be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. Whether or not explicitly stated, all numerical values are modified by the term "about". Numerical values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example, "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[0049] The term "substantially" is similar to "about" in that the defined term may vary by, for example, ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the defined value; for example, the term "substantially vertical" may mean 90°, and a vertical angle may mean "about 90°". The term "approximately" may be equivalent to "substantially".

[0050] Even if not explicitly stated, features described in connection with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in combination with other embodiments.

[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure include any and all components and / or parts of the embodiments, claims, descriptions, and drawings. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include any and all combinations and / or sub-combinations of the embodiments.

[0052] Example 1 Shampoo Removal Test

[0053] In the following test, a test wig was treated with 25 mL of shampoo. The shampoo-treated wig was rinsed with water from a showerhead including a plurality of jet oscillators (A) of the present invention and commercially available showerheads (B) and (C). Flush water samples were collected at 5 seconds and then every 10 seconds thereafter. The turbidity of the flush water samples was tested and reported below in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Lower NTU corresponds to a cleaner sample. The distance between the showerhead and the wig was about 190 mm. The water flow rate was maintained at 1.45 gallons per minute. The water temperature was kept constant by a thermostatic valve, and the water pressure was regulated independently for the hot and cold lines to achieve the desired flow rate.

[0054]

[0055] The results showed that the showerhead (A) of the present invention rinsed shampoo from the wig at a higher rate than the commercially available showerheads (B) and (C), as indicated by the higher turbidity values of the rinsing water samples collected early at 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds. Thereafter, the desired low turbidity value of the rinsing water sample collected from the wig rinsed with the showerhead (A) was obtained earlier than the rinsing water samples collected from the wigs rinsed with the commercially available showerheads (B) and (C). The rinsing water sample collected at 70 seconds for the showerhead (A) of the present invention showed an NTU of less than 10. The commercially available showerhead (B) did not provide a rinsing water NTU of less than 10 until 120 seconds. The commercially available showerhead (C) did not even provide a rinsing water NTU of less than 10 until 120 seconds.

[0056] Example 2 Almond Oil Removal Test

[0057] A series of 8 jet oscillators were prepared via 3D printing, the jet oscillators having the same / similar external size and shape and different internal cavity shapes that drive the amplitude and frequency of the fluid oscillator. Cross-sectional views of jet oscillators 1 to 8 are as Figure 3 shown. Eight faucet assemblies were prepared, each having three jet oscillators of one of samples 1 to 8. A 32-gram sample of almond cream approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 4 mm thick was applied to the center of the ceramic plate of the ceramic plate. Cold tap water was sprayed onto the almond cream at a flow rate of 1.1 gallons per minute at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical direction. The time required to completely remove the almond cream was measured. The times for the eight different assemblies ranged from 14 seconds to 27 seconds.

Claims

1. A jet oscillator, comprising: an oscillator body, the oscillator body comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface, the inner surface defining a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication, wherein the three-dimensional space includes only four feedback flow paths; and the three-dimensional space includes a first fluid interaction region where fluid is connected to a first pair of feedback flow paths and a second fluid interaction region where fluid is connected to a second pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region cross; wherein the three-dimensional space includes a fluid passage from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, the fluid passage being defined by the intersection of the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region.

2. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a plane, and wherein the fluid outlet is flush with the plane.

3. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the outlet includes an outwardly flared wall.

4. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the body includes outer walls, and wherein the angle between adjacent outer walls is about 90 degrees.

5. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the body includes outer walls, and wherein the angle between adjacent outer walls is less than or greater than 90 degrees.

6. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, which includes a conduit fluidly connected to the fluid inlet.

7. The jet oscillator according to claim 6, wherein the conduit includes a generally cylindrical bore.

8. The jet oscillator according to claim 6, wherein the oscillator body and the conduit are integrally constructed.

9. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet tapers inwardly.

10. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of feedback flow paths are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart and the second pair of feedback flow paths are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart.

11. The jet oscillator according to claim 10, wherein the fluid passage defined by the intersection is generally cylindrical.

12. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein each feedback flow path is positioned at approximately 90 degrees to an adjacent feedback flow path.

13. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, which does not include moving parts.

14. The jet oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the intersection of the first fluid interaction region and the second fluid interaction region defines a central body bore.

15. A sanitary appliance, comprising one or more jet oscillators according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The sanitary appliance according to claim 15, which includes a plurality of jet oscillators.

17. The sanitary appliance according to claim 16, wherein the jet oscillators are randomly oriented relative to the oscillator body wall.

18. The sanitary appliance according to claim 16, wherein the jet oscillator is oriented in a pattern relative to the oscillator body wall.

19. The sanitary appliance according to claim 16, wherein the jet oscillator is positioned in or on the appliance in a symmetric pattern.

20. The sanitary appliance according to claim 15, wherein the sanitary appliance is a shower head or a faucet head.

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