Bathing System Air Steam Mixture Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bathing systems experience water temperature decreases during use, particularly in bubble massage systems, leading to discomfort for bathers due to rapid cooling, and previous solutions have not effectively maintained desired temperatures without increasing system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam generator to mix steam with air, creating an air/steam mixture that is directed into the bathing vessel to maintain or increase water temperature, combined with a temperature control system to regulate the bath water temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a steam generator is added to mix steam with air, then water temperature maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is integrated with the existing air blower system by fluidly coupling the steam generator to the conduit upstream of the inlet. The air blower and steam generator work together to create a mixed stream of air and steam that is directed into the bathtub, combining two functions (air supply and steam generation) into a unified system that maintains water temperature without requiring separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the mixing of steam and air before delivery to the bathtub. The steam generator injects steam into the conduit where it mixes with the air flow from the air blower, creating a temperature-controlled mixture that is then directed to the bathing vessel, thus mediating between the steam source and the water body
2Temperature
If steam is mixed with air to maintain temperature, then water temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the amount of steam injected into the conduit by regulating the steam generator's operation. By adjusting steam parameters (flow rate, injection timing) and mixing ratios, the system maintains water temperature stability while optimizing energy consumption, delivering steam only when and where needed rather than continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The steam is injected locally into the conduit at a specific location upstream of the bathtub inlet, creating a localized heated air stream that directly contacts the water surface at the point of entry. This localized heating approach is more energy-efficient than heating the entire bathtub air volume, as it targets only the specific area where temperature maintenance is critical
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 air/steam mixture effectively reduces or prevents rapid cooling of the water, enhancing bather comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature during use, particularly when the bather is close to air injecting orifices, and can even increase the water temperature within the bathing vessel.
Implementation Method 1
The steam generator is fluidly coupled to the conduit upstream of the inlet, and is configured to provide steam to the conduit to create a mixture of steam and air in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The air blower is fluidly coupled to the inlet by a conduit, and is configured to provide a flow of air to the conduit. The air blower is further configured to direct the mixture of steam and air to the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A bathing system includes a vessel, an air blower, and a steam generator. The vessel comprises an inlet. The air blower is fluidly coupled to the inlet by a conduit, and is configured to provide a flow of air to the conduit. The steam generator is fluidly coupled to the conduit upstream of the inlet, and is configured to provide steam to the conduit to create a mixture of steam and air in the conduit. The air blower is further configured to direct the mixture of steam and air to the vessel.