Fluidic Oscillator Shower Head for Pulsating Cleaning Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial and residential plumbing fixtures often rely on continuous stream flows of water that are insufficient for effective cleaning and waste removal, and electronic valves with many moving parts are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fluidic oscillators in plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and faucets, to redirect and pulsate water flow, eliminating the need for complex electronic valves by using fluidic oscillators that switch flow direction and timing without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous stream flows are used in plumbing fixtures, then the fixture can operate continuously, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic oscillator generates periodic pulsating flows by alternating between two stable states, creating high-velocity jets that alternately flush different portions of the toilet bowl. This periodic action enhances cleaning effectiveness compared to continuous streams while maintaining continuous operation through self-sustained oscillation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous flow to dynamic pulsating flow using a fluidic oscillator that continuously switches between two flow paths. The dynamic switching creates alternating high-velocity jets that improve waste removal and surface cleaning capability
2Productivity
If larger volumes of water or higher intensity flows are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic oscillator delivers water in periodic high-velocity pulses rather than continuous flow, concentrating the cleaning action into brief intense bursts. This periodic delivery achieves superior cleaning capability with reduced overall water consumption compared to continuous high-volume flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameters by generating high-velocity pulsating jets instead of low-velocity continuous streams. The fluidic oscillator transforms the water flow characteristics to achieve higher intensity cleaning action while reducing total water volume required
3Ease of operation
If electronic valves are used to control multiple independent jets, then flow coordination is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic valves with a fluidic oscillator that uses fluid dynamics principles to control flow coordination. The oscillator employs Coanda effect and feedback mechanisms to automatically switch between flow paths without electronic components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining flow coordination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic oscillator is self-regulating and automatically coordinates flow between multiple jets without external electronic control. The system uses its own output flow to trigger the oscillation cycle through feedback ports, eliminating the need for expensive electronic valves and control circuits
4Measurement precision
If electronic valves with many moving parts are used, then precise flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic valve systems with a purely fluidic oscillator that has no moving parts. The flow control precision is achieved through fluid dynamic mechanisms including Coanda effect, feedback ports, and pressure differential control rather than mechanical actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electronic valve component entirely, using only fluidic elements to achieve flow coordination. By removing the complex electronic control system, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining precise flow control through fluidic feedback mechanisms
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
Improves cleaning efficiency and reduces water consumption while minimizing noise and manufacturing costs by utilizing fluidic oscillators to generate specialty jets and pulsating flows.
Implementation Method 1
The fluidic oscillator is configured to continuously redirect the flow of fluid to different locations along the inner surface of the toilet bowl
Implementation Method 2
utilizing fluidic oscillators to generate specialty jets and pulsating flows
Implementation Method 3
utilizing fluidic oscillators to generate specialty jets and pulsating flows
Data Source
AI summary
A shower head includes a water input pipe, a fluidic oscillator, and at least one water outlet. The water input pipe is configured to supply a flow of water. The fluidic oscillator includes at least one predetermined geometry to control the flow of water ejected from the fluidic oscillator to include a repeating fan of water at a predetermined angle range. The at least one water outlet is configured to provide the flow water including the repeating pattern of water.