Ablutionary Nozzle Assembly With Electrostatic Jet Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablutionary fittings lack the ability to variably deflect water jets to accommodate different user preferences or experiences, such as invigorating sports showers or gentle morning showers, without relying on moving parts that increase maintenance costs and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
An ablutionary nozzle assembly that uses electrostatic deflection controlled by electrodes, allowing for adjustable water jet deflection without moving parts, utilizing electric potential differences across pairs of electrodes to create intricate spray patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If moving parts are used to deflect water jets, then water jet deflection is achieved, but maintenance costs and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with an electrostatic field generated by electrodes to deflect water jets. The electrostatic force acts on the water molecules to change their trajectory without any physical contact or moving components, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements and failure modes associated with mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrostatic field as an intermediary between the control system and the water jet. The electrodes generate this field which mediates the deflection action, allowing control of water flow direction without mechanical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spray pattern is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user experience customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spray pattern dynamic and adjustable by applying different voltages to the electrodes. This allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and shower experiences (e.g., invigorating sports warm down showers or gentle morning waking-up showers) without requiring multiple fixed-pattern nozzles or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage applied to electrodes) to control the degree and direction of water jet deflection. By varying this parameter, different spray patterns are achieved, providing user customization while maintaining a simple fixed nozzle structure.
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 customizable water jet deflection for enhanced user experience, reducing maintenance costs and potential failures by eliminating moving parts, and enabling varied spray patterns over time or per user input.
Implementation Method 1
an electric potential difference applied across the one or more pairs of electrodes controls the deflection of water jets passing through each of the one or more nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a stream or jet of water passing through an electric field is deflected
Data Source
AI summary
An ablutionary nozzle assembly is provided for use in an ablutionary fitting. The ablutionary nozzle includes one or more nozzles and one or more pairs of electrodes. The nozzles and pairs of electrodes are arranged such that, in use, an electric potential difference applied across the one or more pairs of electrodes controls the deflection of water jets passing through each of the one or more nozzles.