Laminar Flow Water Jet Illumination Enhancer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lighted laminar flow water jets in water features often suffer from inadequate light intensity and aesthetic disruption due to the extreme clarity of the water stream, as existing methods like stream interrupters and "scratchers" fail to provide consistent and intense lighting without compromising the laminar flow's glass-like structure.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus and method that incorporates a housing with a baffle member, filter members, and a control package with a solenoid and microprocessor to create a controlled pressure variance, combined with an additive pressurized water stream that induces a capillary action, producing a wave effect and enhancing light refraction and reflection within the laminar flow tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If stream interrupters or thumpers are used to disrupt the laminar flow stream, then light radiation is improved at the disruption point, but the overall light intensity remains insufficient and the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing multiple light sources at different positions along the laminar flow tube (first light source at the base, second light source at the top) to create localized illumination zones. This allows different sections of the water stream to have enhanced light radiation without disrupting the overall laminar flow structure, resolving the contradiction between light intensity and aesthetic appearance.
2Illumination intensity
If scratchers are used to cut the laminar flow tube, then light radiation is improved in the first half of the stream, but the second half becomes completely devoid of light and the glass-like structure is ruined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function by using multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations along the laminar flow tube. The first light source illuminates the lower portion while the second light source illuminates the upper portion, ensuring continuous light radiation throughout the entire stream without needing to disrupt or cut the laminar flow structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as milk, cream, or other light-scattering materials) that is mixed with the water in the laminar flow stream. This intermediary enhances light scattering and radiation throughout the water stream, providing uniform illumination without requiring mechanical disruption of the laminar flow tube, thus preserving the glass-like appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are positioned at different locations along the laminar flow tube, then continuous light radiation throughout the entire stream is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the water reservoir, provides structural support for the laminar flow tube, houses the light sources, and facilitates the mixing of the intermediary substance with the water. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving continuous light radiation through multiple light sources.
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 solution achieves improved luminescence and radiance throughout the entire laminar flow tube without significant disruption, providing a more intense and aesthetically pleasing light effect that maintains the tube's glass-like appearance, with the ability to control light intensity and color.
Implementation Method 1
an additive pressurized water stream that induces a capillary action, producing a wave effect and enhancing light refraction and reflection within the laminar flow tube
Implementation Method 2
enhancing light refraction and reflection within the laminar flow tube
Implementation Method 3
enhancing light refraction and reflection within the laminar flow tube
Data Source
AI summary
A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing therethrough. A water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. One or more filter member(s) is provided along the water channel. One or more jetting element in communication with the housing jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. One or more lighting element(s) emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An additive supply element communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the lighting element and receives an additive stream from the additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.