Adjustable Water Deflector for Amusement Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water amusement devices, such as dump buckets, lack adjustable water deflection capabilities, making it difficult to customize the water flow for different age groups and providing either too much or too little water pressure and direction, which can be unsuitable for younger or older children.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable water deflector system that includes a pivotally supported deflector body with a top deflection surface and an adjustor, such as a hydraulic cylinder, allowing users to selectably fix the deflector plate at desired orientations within the flow path of water discharged from a selectably fillable container, enabling control over water speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large dump bucket is used to provide high volume water flow for older children, then water excitement and entertainment value are improved, but water pressure and speed become too high for younger children, creating safety and enjoyment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate is divided into multiple independently adjustable sections that can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This segmentation allows the water flow to be divided and redirected into multiple paths, effectively reducing the concentration and intensity of water pressure on any single point while maintaining high water volume for excitement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate is made dynamically adjustable through multiple pivot points and positioning mechanisms, allowing operators to change the water flow direction, angle, and distribution in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same high-volume water flow to be adapted for different age groups by modifying the flow pattern rather than reducing the water quantity.
2Device complexity
If a fixed flat plate deflector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different user groups and water flow patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable deflector plate system serves multiple functions: it can direct water flow at various angles, create different flow patterns (spray, stream, cascade), adjust water pressure distribution, and accommodate different user age groups. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized adjustable mechanism that provides versatile control without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate incorporates multiple pivot points and adjustable positioning mechanisms that enable dynamic reconfiguration of water flow patterns. The plate can be positioned at various angles and orientations to create different flow effects, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system that responds to different operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the deflector plate orientation is fixed, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to customize water flow for different preferences and age groups is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate is pre-equipped with multiple pivot points, attachment mechanisms, and positioning features that enable quick adjustment to predetermined optimal angles and orientations. These pre-designed adjustment points allow operators to rapidly configure the water flow for different age groups and preferences without complex calculations or procedures, maintaining ease of operation while enabling customization.
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 adjustable deflector system allows for customizable water flow patterns, providing gentle or intense water experiences based on user preferences, ensuring safety and enjoyment for children of various ages by adjusting the angle and orientation of the deflector plate.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustor may comprise an actuator. The actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder.
Implementation Method 2
The deflector body may extend between first and second ends and be pivotally supported at the first end thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a deflector for a water dump apparatus positioned within a flow path of water discharged from a selectably dischargable container. The deflector comprises a deflector body having a top deflection surface thereon, a pivot mount for pivotally supporting the deflector body and an adjustor for selectably fixing the deflector plate at an orientation desired by a user. The deflector body may extend between first and second ends and be pivotally supported at the first end thereof. The deflector surface may be a planar concave or convex surface. The deflector body has an exterior edge which is substantially circular. The adjustor may comprise an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a pin selectably engageable within one of a plurality of notches.