Gravity-fed shower system and method

Solution Overview

Problem

Gravity-fed emergency shower systems require larger tanks to achieve longer runtime at minimum desired pressure, which is undesirable due to size, weight, and cost considerations.

Innovation Solution

A multiple stage discharge system with a drain, first and second openings, and a valve mechanism that allows fluid to flow through the second opening when the tank's fluid level decreases, combining with the first opening to maintain or increase the flow rate and pressure at the shower head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a larger tank is used to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, then the runtime is improved, but the size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveruntimeVSAvoidtank weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drain is divided into multiple openings (first opening and second opening) that are activated at different stages. The first opening operates during the initial discharge phase, while the second opening activates when the fluid level decreases, creating a multi-stage discharge system that extends runtime without increasing tank size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism dynamically switches between the first and second openings based on the fluid level in the tank. As the fluid level decreases to a predetermined threshold, the valve transitions from allowing flow through the first opening to allowing flow through the second opening, adapting the discharge characteristics to maintain pressure while extending runtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a larger tank is used to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, then the runtime is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveruntimeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drain is divided into multiple openings (first opening and second opening) that are activated at different stages. The first opening operates during the initial discharge phase, while the second opening activates when the fluid level decreases, creating a multi-stage discharge system that extends runtime without increasing tank size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism dynamically switches between the first and second openings based on the fluid level in the tank. As the fluid level decreases to a predetermined threshold, the valve transitions from allowing flow through the first opening to allowing flow through the second opening, adapting the discharge characteristics to maintain pressure while extending runtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stress or pressure

If pressure is maintained at minimum levels throughout discharge, then the discharge pressure is improved, but the runtime decreases without a larger tank

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge pressureVSAvoidruntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drain is divided into multiple openings (first opening and second opening) that are activated at different stages. The first opening operates during the initial discharge phase, while the second opening activates when the fluid level decreases, creating a multi-stage discharge system that extends runtime without increasing tank size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism dynamically switches between the first and second openings based on the fluid level in the tank. As the fluid level decreases to a predetermined threshold, the valve transitions from allowing flow through the first opening to allowing flow through the second opening, adapting the discharge characteristics to maintain pressure while extending runtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Extends the runtime of the shower at minimum pressure without increasing tank size, conserves water, and avoids complex pressurization or electronic solutions, providing a more eco-friendly and cost-effective system.

Implementation Method 1

the gravity-fed emergency shower system may be moved or transported to a variety of locations (indoors and outdoors) independent of the location of a fluid source. However, one problem with these gravity-fed emergency shower systems is that in order to achieve a longer runtime (i.e., the time duration that the tank may discharge fluid) with a minimum desired pressure discharge, a larger tank is typically required.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a valve mechanism coupled to the second opening to permit fluid in the fluid tank to flow through the drain via the second opening in response to a fluid level in the fluid tank decreasing to at or below a threshold fluid level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3621503B1Gravity-fed shower system and method

Publication Date: 2021.12.01 BRADLEY FIXTURES CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

A multiple stage discharge system for a gravity-fed emergency shower system is provided herein. The multiple stage discharge system includes a drain; a first opening defined by the drain; a second opening defined by the drain; and a valve mechanism coupled to the second opening to permit fluid in a fluid tank of the gravity-fed emergency shower system to flow at least partly through the drain via the second opening in response to a fluid level in the fluid tank decreasing to at or below a threshold fluid level.