Heated fog bathing system and method of controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bubble massaging or hydro-massaging bath systems experience rapid cooling, losing temperature by approximately 5 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit over 20 minutes due to the introduction of cool, dry air for bubble formation, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable bathing experience.
Innovation Solution
A bathing system comprising a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, and an atomizer, where the secondary reservoir holds a volume of water that is heated and atomized to create an air-water mixture, which is then directed into the primary reservoir to form bubbles, maintaining humidity and temperature through the use of an air blower and optional heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cool, dry air is introduced into the primary reservoir for bubble formation, then bubble massaging function is achieved, but water temperature decreases rapidly (5-6 degrees Fahrenheit over 20 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the secondary reservoir before introducing it to the primary reservoir. The heater unit heats the water in the second container, and the pump transfers this pre-heated water to the first container, thereby compensating for the cooling effect of introduced air before it occurs in the main bathing water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary reservoir as an intermediary system between the air supply and the primary bathing water. This secondary reservoir receives air, heats water separately, and mixes them before introducing to the primary reservoir, thereby mediating the temperature impact of air introduction on the main bathing water.
2Temperature
If a secondary reservoir with atomizer is added to the system, then temperature and humidity control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary reservoir system performs multiple functions: it serves as an air mixing chamber, a water heating chamber, and an atomization chamber all in one unit. The pump serves both to transfer water between reservoirs and to drive the atomizer, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air introduction system, water heating system, and atomization system into a single integrated secondary reservoir assembly. The heater unit, pump, and atomizer work together in one compact system that handles both air and water, merging multiple functions into a unified 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
The system effectively maintains a water temperature loss of no more than 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit over 20 minutes, providing a more comfortable bathing experience by controlling humidity and temperature through the continuous introduction of heated, atomized water into the primary reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
The atomizer is configured to introduce water from the second volume of water into the flow of air by atomizing at least a portion of the second volume of water to form an air-water mixture
Implementation Method 2
the bathing system further comprises a first heater disposed in the secondary reservoir, wherein the first heater is configured to heat the second volume of water
Implementation Method 3
the bathing system further comprises a second heater configured to heat the air-water mixture upstream of the primary reservoir
Implementation Method 4
The air blower is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, and is configured to provide a flow of air to the fluid conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A bathing system includes a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, and an atomizer. The primary reservoir is configured to hold a first volume of water. The secondary reservoir is in fluid communication with the primary reservoir by a channel. The secondary reservoir is configured to hold a second volume of water. The atomizer is disposed in the secondary reservoir, and is configured to introduce water from the second volume of water into a flow of air received in the channel by atomizing at least a portion of the second volume of water to form an air-water mixture upstream of the primary reservoir.