Pet Bath Circulation System with Segmented Washing and Drying Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet bathing systems face challenges such as excessive water usage, combined washing and drying complexity, and risk of electrical device failure due to water introduction during the drying process, while also failing to maintain a clean environment and ensure pet safety.

Innovation Solution

A pet bath design featuring a circulation system with a water collection tank, lower and upper nozzles for washing, an air blower for drying, and a filtration system to minimize water usage and prevent electrical hazards, allowing for simultaneous washing, rinsing, and drying within a controlled enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If washing and drying are carried out together in one apparatus, then functionality is improved, but structural complexity increases and water may introduce into electric devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into a washing unit with water nozzles and a drying unit with air nozzles, separated by functional zones. The washing tank and drying chamber are spatially segmented to prevent water from reaching electrical components during drying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A circulation pump serves as an intermediary component that manages water flow between the washing tank and drying areas. The pump system includes separate water supply paths for washing and drying functions, preventing direct water contact with electrical devices while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate dryer is disposed in the bathroom, then drying function is provided, but space occupation increases and water usage becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying functionVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drying function is merged into the bathing apparatus by integrating air nozzles and a drying unit within the same structure. This combines washing and drying capabilities in one compact device, eliminating the need for a separate dryer in the bathroom space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both washing nozzles and drying nozzles in a single unit. The same structure serves multiple purposes: water delivery for washing, air delivery for drying, and integrated water management, reducing overall space requirements.

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

3Ease of operation

If pet moves recklessly during bathing, then pet freedom is maintained, but bathing time increases and environment becomes contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet freedomVSAvoidbathing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus provides localized water delivery through multiple nozzles positioned at different heights and angles within the enclosure. This creates focused washing zones that effectively clean the pet even when moving, reducing the time needed compared to manual bathing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If water is supplied continuously for washing, then washing effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump continuously recycles and re-sprays water through the nozzle system, maintaining continuous washing action on the pet. The water circulation system ensures that the same water volume is used repeatedly, maximizing washing effectiveness while minimizing overall water consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers and recirculates washing water through the circulation pump and filtration system. Water that falls to the bottom of the tank is pumped back up and sprayed again, recovering the washing action multiple times from the same water volume, thereby reducing total water consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 effectively reduces water consumption, ensures safe and efficient pet bathing by controlling water and air flow patterns, and maintains a clean environment by washing the enclosure after pet care, thereby extending its usage and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation pump configured to pump the washing water stored in the water collection tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic principle: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a lower nozzle disposed in a lower portion of the bathing enclosure to spray the washing water pumped by the circulation pump to the bathing enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

a stand disposed between the lower nozzle and the at least one upper nozzle to support a pet and configured to drain washing water therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a circulation water filter configured to filter washing water flowing from the bathing enclosure to the water collection tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

an air blower disposed below the inner cabinet to circulate air in the bathing enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic principle: Gas Compressor

Implementation Method 6

air nozzles disposed on side surfaces of the inner cabinet to discharge air flowing due to operation of the air blower to an inside of the bathing enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3855907B1Pet bath
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3855907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3855907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a pet bath. The pet bath includes an outer cabinet and an inner cabinet having open front surfaces, a door configured to open and close the open front surfaces of the outer and inner cabinets, a water collection tank to form a washing water storage space, a circulation pump to pump the washing water stored in the water collection tank, a lower nozzle and at least one upper nozzle to spray the washing water pumped by the circulation pump into a bathing enclosure, a stand disposed between the lower nozzle and the at least one upper nozzle, a circulation water filter to filter washing water, an air blower to circulate air in the bathing enclosure, and air nozzles to discharge air to an inside of the bathing enclosure, and inner exhaust holes to exhaust air are formed in an upper surface of the inner cabinet.