Directional Water Nozzle: Impinging-Jet Control for Stable Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower systems experience unintended temperature fluctuations when switching between different water flow modes due to varying resistance, particularly in electric showers, leading to undesirable changes in water temperature.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle system with multiple channels, each connected to a separate water input, allows independent control of flow rates and pressures to maintain consistent water output direction and temperature, using valves and controllers to adjust flow patterns without mixing channels until the water exits the nozzle mouth, preventing cross-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shower system alters the flow rate of water to achieve different modes (rain mode and burst mode), then the flow pattern and resistance are improved, but the water temperature becomes unstable and fluctuates undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow pattern controlVSAvoidwater temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The shower system is divided into multiple independent flow channels (first channel and second channel), each capable of operating independently to provide different flow modes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain total flow rate while adjusting flow patterns, thereby stabilizing temperature by preventing excessive mixing that would trigger temperature fluctuations in electric showers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the flow distribution between channels based on selected mode. The controller modifies flow rates in each channel to achieve desired flow patterns (rain mode with higher flow rate, burst mode with lower flow rate and higher resistance) while maintaining overall temperature stability through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water channels are used to provide different flow modes, then flow pattern control is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between channels increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow mode varietyVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing of water channels is extracted and delayed until the final outlet stage. Each channel maintains independent flow paths through separate conduits, and mixing only occurs at the nozzle mouth where water is dispensed. This extraction of premature mixing eliminates cross-contamination risks while preserving the ability to provide multiple flow modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flow rate of water is reduced in burst mode to increase resistance, then the flow pattern is improved, but the water temperature drops undesirably when switching from high-pressure to low-pressure modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow mode switchingVSAvoidtemperature stability during mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary flow adjustment by pre-configuring the flow distribution between channels before mode switching occurs. When transitioning between rain mode and burst mode, the controller proactively adjusts flow rates in each channel to maintain stable total flow and pressure, preventing temperature drops that would otherwise occur during abrupt mode changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Maintains consistent water temperature and flow direction across different modes by independently controlling flow rates and pressures in each channel, preventing temperature fluctuations and ensuring hygiene by isolating water sources.

Implementation Method 1

A nozzle system with multiple channels, each connected to a separate water input, allows independent control of flow rates and pressures to maintain consistent water output direction and temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

Directional water nozzle via flow control of impinging jets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet impingement:

Data Source

PatentUS20250319482A1Directional water nozzle via flow control of impinging jets

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 KOHLER MIRA LTD

AI summary

A showerhead is provided that may include a plurality of nozzle systems (each nozzle system including a first channel and a second channel) and a first and second fluid path. The showerhead may include a first valve which may control a first flow rate of fluid flowing through the first fluid path and a second valve which may control a second flow rate of fluid flowing through the second fluid path. The showerhead may include at least one controller which may control the first and second valves. The first and second channels may be angled such that fluid exiting the first channel impinges on fluid exiting the second channel.