Pool Waterfall Flow Diverters for Scale Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dry and arid climates, ornamental backyard waterfalls with high mineral content water experience unsightly scale buildup on structures and catch basins, making removal time-consuming, difficult, and expensive.
Innovation Solution
Specially-shaped and sized UV-resistant plastic flow diverters are attached to the waterfall structure using silicone adhesive to concentrate and redirect water flow, reducing mineral deposition on the edges and in the catch basin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water flows over the waterfall structure in dry and arid climates with high mineral content, then the waterfall provides ornamental and calming features, but scale buildup occurs on the waterfall structure and catch basin
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and redirects the problematic edge portions of water flow away from the waterfall structure and catch basin. Flow diverters are positioned to separate the main body of water from the edge spray, effectively removing the harmful overspray component that causes scale buildup while preserving the ornamental waterfall function
Solution Approach 2:
Flow diverters serve as intermediary elements between the waterfall structure and the water flow. These diverters intercept and redirect the water flow, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the mineral-rich water and the vulnerable surfaces of the waterfall structure and catch basin, thereby reducing scale deposition
2Reliability
If scale buildup occurs on the waterfall structure and catch basin, then the waterfall continues to function, but removal becomes time-consuming, difficult, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverters implement preliminary anti-action by preventing scale buildup before it occurs. By redirecting water flow away from the waterfall structure and catch basin edges, the system proactively eliminates the cause of scale deposition, thereby preventing the need for future removal operations and reducing maintenance time and costs
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 flow diverters effectively channel water flow, minimizing scale buildup and making maintenance more efficient and cost-effective by reducing the accumulation of minerals on the waterfall structure and catch basin.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow diverter is attached adjacent a first sidewall of the waterfall structure. The first flow diverter is positioned close to a lip of the waterfall structure over which a flow of water passes. Accordingly, water of the flow passing by the first sidewall on its way over the fall is diverted inwardly (toward the center of the waterfall water flow) by the first diverter.
Implementation Method 2
The two diverters are typically attached to the waterfall structure using silicone adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of identical, specially-shaped, and specially-sized flow diverters is provided. In order to concentrate the flow of water passing over a waterfall, such as an ornamental backyard spa or swimming pool waterfall, a first flow diverter is attached adjacent a first sidewall of the waterfall structure, and a second flow diverter is attached adjacent a second sidewall of the waterfall structure. Water passing by the sidewalls is directed inwardly away from the sidewalls, thereby narrowing the flow of water over the fall and reducing overspray and reducing mineral build up and scale problems. In one novel aspect, an assemblage (a saleable product) includes a product container, the pair of flow diverters disposed in the container, a tube of silicone adhesive disposed in the container, and a set of printed usage instructions disposed in the container.