Laminar Spray Envelope for Fluid Splash Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for containing fluid splashes are bulky, require frequent cleaning, and are not always effective in capturing splash droplets moving opposite to the stream flow, while chemical treatments are not sufficient for immediate splash prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system using a laminar flow nozzle to create a spray envelope that directs a fluid stream into a waste receptacle, disrupting splash droplets and containing them within the envelope using a solenoid-controlled valve activated by a power supply, motion sensor, or timer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical barrier or shield structure is used to capture splash droplets, then splash containment is improved, but the device becomes bulky and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laminar flow of liquid (hydraulic approach) to create a barrier that disrupts and contains splash droplets. Instead of using a solid physical shield, a controlled stream of liquid forms a curved path that intercepts and redirects splashing fluid, achieving containment without bulky structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state and parameters of the liquid stream by controlling its flow rate, pressure, and laminarity. By adjusting these parameters, the liquid stream maintains a stable curved path that effectively contains splashes while remaining a thin, non-bulky configuration that requires minimal cleaning
2Reliability
If chemical treatment is applied to the receiving fluid to lower surface tension, then splash insulation is improved, but constant chemical treatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical approach (surfactant treatment) with a mechanical/physical approach using a controlled laminar liquid stream. This stream creates a physical barrier through its flow dynamics and curved path, eliminating the need for continuous chemical application while maintaining splash insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The laminar flow stream is activated before the splashing occurs (e.g., before urination), creating the protective curved liquid barrier in advance. This preliminary action ensures the barrier is already in place to intercept and contain any subsequent splashes without requiring chemical treatment at the moment of splashing
3Reliability
If a physical structural barrier is used to contain splashes, then droplet capture is improved, but droplets moving opposite to stream flow are not effectively captured
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid stream is designed to follow a dynamic curved path rather than a straight line. This curvature allows the stream to intercept droplets moving in multiple directions, including those moving opposite to the general flow direction. The flexible, curved trajectory adapts to capture splashes from various angles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional straight stream to a two-dimensional curved path. By arching the liquid stream in a curved trajectory, it creates a broader coverage area that can intercept droplets moving in different directions, including opposite-direction droplets that a straight stream would miss
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 fluid splashes within the spray envelope, minimizing overspray and maintaining hygiene without the need for constant chemical treatment or bulky structures.
Implementation Method 1
the first nozzle 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.