Recirculating Bath Toy Pump With Selectable Water Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Young children lack a safe and controlled means to explore their curiosity about running water, especially indoors and under adult supervision, as existing outdoor water toys are not suitable for young children and are weather-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating water bath toy with a battery or hand-powered pump that draws and recirculates water from a bathtub or pool, featuring multiple output options such as spray nozzles and a cascade with configurable obstructions, allowing children to safely interact with water under adult supervision and indoors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor water toys (garden sprinklers, squirt guns) are used, then children can explore running water, but they are not available to young children requiring direct supervision and are unavailable in certain weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (pump-powered water circulation system) that mediates between the water source and the child, providing controlled water delivery through various outlets. This intermediary structure enables safe indoor water play by controlling water flow through a pump system with selectable outlets, eliminating the need for direct faucet connection while maintaining water play functionality.
2Ease of operation
If running water from faucet is used, then children can play with water, but it becomes wasteful, messy, and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous water circulation system where water is pumped from the bathtub, used for play, and returned to the same bathtub. This continuous circulation eliminates water waste by reusing the same water repeatedly, while the controlled pump delivery prevents mess and danger associated with uncontrolled faucet flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the pump control mechanism that regulates water flow based on the selected outlet configuration. The pump speed and flow rate can be adjusted to provide appropriate water pressure for different play scenarios, preventing excessive water delivery that could cause mess or danger.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet options are provided, then children can explore different water flow patterns, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water delivery system into segmented functional outlets (spray nozzle, stream outlet, cascade feature) that can be independently selected. Each outlet provides a specific water flow pattern, and the selector valve allows switching between segments without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system serves multiple functions by delivering water to different outlets based on selector valve position. The same pump unit provides spray, stream, and cascade functions through a single multi-functional design, reducing device complexity compared to having separate pumping mechanisms for each outlet type.
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
Provides a safe and controlled environment for children to explore running water, independent of outdoor weather conditions, using a pump system with multiple output features that can be adjusted for different water flow patterns, ensuring gentle water delivery and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides a pump that draws water from a bath tub or pool and discharges the water back into the source above the water
Implementation Method 2
The outer body includes means for attaching to a sidewall of the liquid reservoir, such as a plurality of suction cups
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a water bath toy having a pump that draws water from a bath tub or pool and discharges the water back into the source. The pump is battery powered or hand powered. The invention includes a plurality of output options and a selector for choosing the active output feature, These features may include a narrow spray nozzle, a wide spray nozzle, a flexible hose, and a cascade with configurable obstructions that affect the water flow. The outer body of the water bath toy is configured to fit over the sidewall of a pool or bath tub.