Movable Shroud And Synchronized Waterwall for Floating Visual Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fountain systems fail to convincingly imitate floating objects by effectively hiding support posts and creating a visual impression of independent movement, limiting both visual quality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a structure with a movable shroud portion and a high-pressure pump system forming a continuous waterwall to conceal posts, controlled by a drive mechanism and control unit for synchronized movement and height adjustment of the shroud and water jets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If water jets are used to conceal support posts, then the visual appearance of floating objects is improved, but the support posts remain partially visible and the effect is not convincing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-pressure water jets pumped through hollow support members to create a continuous water curtain that completely conceals the support structure. The hydraulic system delivers water at sufficient pressure to form an opaque veil, transforming the partially transparent water flow into a reliable concealing medium that fully hides the posts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of water flow by increasing pressure and controlling flow rate to transform the water curtain from partially transparent to fully opaque. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves complete visual concealment of the support posts, making the floating effect convincing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed support members are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the floating object appears stationary and not independently moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement to the previously fixed support members by enabling them to translate and rotate independently. The support members are driven by motors or other actuators that allow them to change position and orientation, creating the visual effect of independent movement while maintaining structural stability through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural support function with the visual display function by integrating the moving image display装置 into the support members themselves. The support members serve dual purposes: providing structural stability and displaying dynamic images that enhance the floating effect, merging these two functions into a unified system.
3Ease of manufacture
If transparent support members are used, then the structure is visible and functional, but the concealment effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure to force water through the transparent support members, creating a dense water curtain that obscures the transparent material. The high-pressure water flow fills the space around and within the support members, transforming them from visible transparent structures into concealed elements hidden by the water veil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance between the transparent support members and the external environment. This water curtain acts as a mediating layer that blocks the view of the transparent support members while allowing them to continue functioning structurally, resolving the contradiction between visibility and concealment.
4Illumination intensity
If water flows downward along support members, then the support members are concealed, but the system complexity increases and usability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support members to serve multiple functions: structural support, water conveyance, and image display. Each support member is a hollow structure that can pump water through it, display images on its surface, and move independently. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are self-sufficient units that contain their own pumping mechanisms and display devices. Each support member independently pumps water through itself and controls its own image display, eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective concealment.
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
Enhances the visual appearance by convincingly imitating floating structures with independent motion, improving usability and enjoyment value without exposing users to discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure pump system for generating water jets, said pump system comprising nozzles arranged beside each other in the at least one pool such that the water jets form at least one continuous waterwall that conceals the at least one post
Implementation Method 2
the portion of the at least one post that is situated in the water-filled pool is provided with a reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for producing a visual effect, comprising a structure portion (1), at least one water-filled pool (2) arranged under the structure portion (1), at least one post (3) extending from the at least one pool (2), wherein the structure portion (1) is arranged at the end of the at least one post (3) lying further from the pool (2). The system further comprises a movable external shroud portion (4) that at least laterally envelopes the structure (1), a drive mechanism (5) that is arranged between the shroud portion (4) and the structure (1) and is adapted for moving the shroud portion (4) relative to the structure (1), and a high-pressure pump system (6) for generating water jets (8), said pump system comprising nozzles (7) arranged beside each other in the at least one pool (2) such that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous waterwall (9) that conceals the at least one post (3). During the method, the movable shroud portion (4) are moved by means of the drive mechanism (5), and simultaneously adjusting the height (H) of the waterjets (8) provided by the high-pressure pump system (6) such that the bottom edge (41) of the shroud portion (4) and the height (H) of the waterjets move in a mutually synchronised manner.