Modular Dry Fountain Structure for Easy Installation and Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry fountains are costly, complex to install, and require extensive construction work, making them unsuitable for private homes, and their maintenance is difficult due to buried components.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting dry fountain system with modular components that can be easily assembled, allowing for adjustable dimensions and integration with a terrace, featuring a watertight container with modules that form a self-supporting structure, reducing installation work and enabling easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional buried dry fountain construction is used, then the fountain structure is stable and functional, but the installation cost is very high and requires extensive construction work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefountain structure stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fountain structure is divided into modular components (container, floor support, floor elements, pump) that can be assembled independently and then combined, eliminating the need for extensive excavation and concrete work while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a pre-fabricated container design that replicates the functional aspects of traditional buried fountains without requiring actual burial, achieving the same water containment and fountain functionality through a simplified above-ground structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional buried dry fountain construction is used, then the fountain can be installed in public spaces, but the maintenance of buried components is difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation feasibilityVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of burying the fountain components underground as in traditional construction, the invention inverts the approach by using an above-ground container structure, making all components (pump, filtration system, water reservoir) easily accessible from the surface for maintenance and repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dry fountain is installed beneath a flowerbed, then the fountain is integrated into the landscape, but additional significant work is required to create the flowerbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelandscape integrationVSAvoidproject stages
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fountain container with the terrace structure, where the container serves dual purposes as both the water reservoir and the structural base for the terrace, eliminating the need for separate flowerbed construction and reducing overall project complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the water reservoir for the fountain, provides structural support for the terrace, and can be configured in various modular arrangements to adapt to different landscape designs, replacing the need for separate specialized structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-size water jet system is used, then the system is simple to construct, but it cannot be adjusted to fit available private home spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidspace adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fountain system is segmented into modular components (container modules, floor elements) that can be assembled in different configurations and sizes to adapt to various available spaces in private homes, while maintaining construction simplicity through standardized connection methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows the fountain system to be dynamically configured and reconfigured based on available space, enabling easy adjustment of dimensions and layout without requiring complex custom fabrication for each installation scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies installation, reduces costs, and allows for easy adjustment and maintenance, providing a functional terrace and fountain in a single structure, using minimal resources and water efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pump, called a central pump, configured so as to be supplied by the liquid present in the tank and to eject liquid through the floor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4663850A1Structure for dry fountain
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 DECK FLOW
  • EP4663850A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4663850A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4663850A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a dry fountain structure (100) comprising a watertight basin (1) including a portion serving as a reservoir for holding a liquid (50), for example, water, the basin having a bottom (3) and a wall (2), at least one floor support configured to support a floor (200), and at least one central pump (20) configured to be supplied by the liquid in the reservoir and to eject liquid through the floor. The basin is configured to form a self-supporting structure and shaped to support both the floor support and the floor. It comprises a plurality of modules (M1, M2) assembled together to form the bottom of the basin.