Directional Shower Nozzle via Impinging Jet Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower systems with variable flow modes often experience unintended temperature changes when switching between low-pressure and high-pressure modes due to differing water flow rates, leading to undesirable temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle system with multiple channels, each independently controllable by separate water inputs and valves, allows for adjustable flow rates and angles without mixing water streams until they exit, maintaining consistent pressure and preventing temperature changes while allowing for different spray patterns and modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 spray pattern and pressure are improved, but the water temperature becomes unstable and fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The shower system is divided into multiple independent channel groups, where each group contains one or more channels that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable temperature by controlling flow rates at the channel group level rather than mixing all water streams together, thereby resolving the temperature fluctuation issue while still providing versatile spray patterns through selective activation of different channel groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate of individual channel groups independently to achieve different spray modes. By dynamically controlling which channel groups are active and their respective flow rates, the system can transition between rain mode and burst mode without causing temperature fluctuations, as each channel group maintains its own stable flow characteristics.
2Power
If the shower system uses variable flow rates for different modes, then the spray intensity and pressure are improved, but the temperature control becomes difficult and unintended temperature changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is segmented into multiple independent channel groups, each capable of operating at different flow rates. This allows the system to vary spray intensity by activating different numbers and combinations of channel groups without affecting the temperature stability of individual groups, thereby achieving variable power output while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of individual channel groups independently to achieve different spray intensities. By adjusting the flow rate of specific channel groups rather than the entire system, the patent can modify spray power while maintaining stable temperature conditions in each channel group, preventing unintended temperature changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shower system mixes water streams to create different modes, then the spray pattern variety is improved, but the pressure stability deteriorates and temperature fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mixing all water streams together, the system segments water delivery into independent channel groups that maintain separate flow paths. Each channel group preserves its own pressure characteristics, ensuring pressure stability while still providing spray pattern variety through selective activation and angular adjustment of different channel groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves spray pattern variety by utilizing the spatial dimension through different ejection angles of channel groups rather than relying on mixing water streams. Each channel group can be oriented at different angles, allowing the system to create diverse spray patterns while maintaining pressure stability through independent flow control in each spatial direction.
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
Enables seamless transitions between shower modes without temperature fluctuations, providing consistent water pressure and temperature through independent control of each channel's flow rate and angle, enhancing user experience with customizable spray patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A nozzle system may include a first water channel and a second water channel, each carrying a stream of water. The streams of water may be directed such that they intersect with one another to form a concentrated spray pattern at a specific location.
Data Source
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.