Laminar-Flow LED Nozzle for Visible Water Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filling small containers with water from refrigerator dispensers can be difficult due to the challenge of visualizing the water flow, especially in translucent environments, where it is hard to see the source of the water or the flow within the dispenser recess.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser nozzle design that promotes a laminar flow of liquid and incorporates a light source positioned between the first and second ends, with an annular liquid flow channel and a cone upstream of the light source, allowing light to travel farther down the liquid stream and enhancing visibility for the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is positioned proximate to the flow of water to illuminate the dispenser recess, then the visibility of the dispenser recess is improved, but the light cannot travel far enough down the liquid stream for the user to see the flow into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow regime parameter from turbulent to laminar flow. By creating laminar flow conditions through the nozzle design (using a long narrow passage with specific dimensions and smooth surfaces), the liquid stream becomes more transparent and allows light to penetrate farther downstream, solving the visibility problem at the container interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of laminar flow to change the effective transparency of the liquid stream. The laminar flow creates a more uniform, less turbulent liquid structure that allows light to pass through more effectively, making the liquid stream visible farther downstream without changing the light source or liquid composition.
2Ease of operation
If water flows directly from the dispensing outlet into the container, then the filling process is simple, but the user cannot see the flow of water particularly when the container opening is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the flow parameters by creating laminar flow through a specifically designed nozzle with a long narrow passage (length-to-diameter ratio of at least 10:1). This flow regime change makes the water stream visible through light transmission while maintaining the simple direct-fill operation, allowing users to easily track the water flow into small container openings.
3Device complexity
If a conventional nozzle is used, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid flow is turbulent and light cannot travel far down the stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves laminar flow by carefully controlling geometric parameters of the nozzle passage—specifically a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 10:1 and smooth surface finishes. These parameter changes create the necessary flow conditions for light transmission without adding complex external components, maintaining device simplicity while enabling far-reaching light penetration into the liquid stream.
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 nozzle design improves the user's ability to accurately view the dispenser and liquid flow, making it easier to fill containers by reducing turbulence and allowing light to travel further down the liquid stream, thus improving the filling process.
Implementation Method 1
the flow channel configured to promote a substantially laminar flow of liquid
Implementation Method 2
allowing light to travel farther down the liquid stream
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser is provided having a nozzle that can direct light down a stream of liquid exiting therefrom. The nozzle includes one or more features to promote a substantially laminar flow of liquid therethrough. This construction can allow the light to travel farther down the stream of liquid exiting the nozzle than in e.g., non-laminar flow. Such light transmission can allow the user to more accurately view the dispenser and liquid flow when filling a container with liquid.