Portable Fireplace Waterfall Assembly for Stable Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fireplace-waterfall features are not portable, limiting homeowners' ability to temporarily convert the appearance of a fireplace into a decorative waterfall feature, especially in warmer months when the fireplace is not in use.
Innovation Solution
A portable waterfall feature comprising a water reservoir, an electrical submersible pump with light, tubing connectors, connectable tubing pieces, a dispensing tubing piece, and a flexible curtain that can be assembled and fastened to a fireplace, allowing water to flow upward, along the curtain, and back into the reservoir, enhancing aesthetic appeal and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior fireplace-waterfall features are permanently installed, then the waterfall effect is stable and reliable, but the device loses portability and cannot be moved between fireplaces
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall feature is divided into separate modular components including a reservoir assembly, pump assembly, tubing system, and curtain assembly that can be easily disconnected and reconnected. This segmentation enables the system to be disassembled for portability while maintaining reliable reassembly at different fireplaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic portable configuration through the use of removable connections and flexible positioning. The waterfall feature can be dynamically assembled and disassembled while maintaining functional reliability through designed connection mechanisms.
2Shape
If the waterfall feature is designed to fit specific fireplace sizes, then it provides a customized appearance, but it cannot be moved to fireplaces of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall feature is designed with universal components that can adapt to multiple fireplace configurations. The reservoir, pump, and tubing system can be arranged in different configurations to accommodate various fireplace sizes and shapes, providing a customized appearance for each installation without requiring fireplace-specific manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter adjustments in tubing length, reservoir positioning, and curtain dimensions to match different fireplace characteristics. These parameter changes enable the same basic design to be adapted to various fireplace sizes while maintaining aesthetic customization.
3Ease of manufacture
If permanent modifications are made to convert a fireplace to a waterfall feature, then the decorative effect is achieved, but the fireplace cannot be easily removed or relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the waterfall components from permanent fireplace structures, creating a standalone portable system that achieves the decorative effect without permanent modifications. All components can be removed without altering the fireplace structure, enabling easy relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, non-permanent components such as flexible tubing, removable reservoirs, and lightweight curtains that can be easily installed and removed without permanent attachment. These components are designed for temporary installation rather than permanent fixation.
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 portable design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the feature to be moved between fireplaces of different sizes and providing a refreshing, decorative element that can be easily set up or removed as needed, enhancing room ambiance without permanent modifications.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical submersible pump with light, tubing connectors and connectable tubing pieces, which may be assembled to extend upward from the water reservoir
Implementation Method 2
flows down the flexible curtain and back into the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A portable waterfall feature is provided for use on a fireplace having a mantle and a fireplace opening, and includes a water reservoir; tubing connectors and connectable tubing pieces, which may be assembled to extend upward from the water reservoir when the reservoir is placed at the bottom of the fireplace opening and around the one end of the mantle to be connected to a dispensing tubing piece connectable at the top of the mantle. A flexible curtain hangs down over the front of the mantle and in front of the fireplace opening over the water reservoir so that water that is pumped from the water reservoir flows upward through the assembled tubing pieces, is dispensed from the dispensing tubing piece along the top side of the flexible curtain; and flows down the flexible curtain and back into the reservoir.