Laminar Flow Nozzle Design for Fluid Splash Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for containing fluid splashes, such as those in toilets and urinals, are either chemically intensive, bulky, or ineffective in capturing splash droplets moving opposite to the stream flow, and require frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A system with a nozzle that directs a laminar flow of liquid into a waste receptacle, controlled by a solenoid valve and power supply, creating a spray envelope to contain splashes using a laminar flow dome or multiple overlapping spray patterns to minimize overspray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical treatments (surfactants) are used to lower surface tension of receiving fluid, then splash containment is improved, but constant chemical treatment is required and may not adequately protect against splashes caused at the time of stream entry
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle creates a laminar flow dome structure in advance before the fluid stream enters, establishing a physical barrier that immediately contains splashes at the moment of stream entry. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the time delay inherent in chemical treatment methods, where protection only begins after the bubble layer forms some time after flushing.
2Reliability
If physical structure (shields or barriers) is added to create physical barrier to capture splash droplets, then splash containment is improved, but the structure becomes bulky and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using solid physical shields, the invention employs a laminar flow of liquid that forms a dome-shaped barrier. This hydraulic structure captures splash droplets through fluid dynamics rather than physical contact, eliminating the need for bulky solid components that require frequent cleaning while maintaining effective splash containment.
3Reliability
If physical structural barrier is used to capture splash droplets, then splash containment is improved, but the barrier is not always effective in capturing splash droplets moving substantially opposite to the direction of the stream flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a solid barrier that passively blocks droplets, the laminar flow dome actively moves with the splash dynamics. The fluid flow direction can be adjusted to counteract droplet motion in any direction, including opposite to the stream flow, making the containment mechanism adaptable to various splash patterns rather than limited to one direction.
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
Effectively contains splashes within the defined area, reducing the need for chemical treatments and frequent cleaning, while maintaining hygiene and preventing splash droplets from exiting the receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
The first nozzle is configured to direct a first laminar flow of a liquid received from a liquid supply into the waste receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for containing fluid splash include using a fluid flow spaced from a vessel and/or fluid surface to effectively trap materials from a fluid stream flowing through the fluid flow. The fluid flow creates a spray envelope in connection with the fluid surface and/or vessel and substantially prevents droplets of the fluid stream from exiting the vessel. The fluid flow is created by allowing a supply fluid to flow through a nozzle oriented to cast a spray pattern into the vessel and/or into contact with the fluid surface. The fluid flow may be selectively activated and deactivated and/or be automatically (e.g., light or motion) activated and deactivated.