Misting system with removable canopy and user actuated control with optional modular construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing misting systems for athletes in hot climates are often cumbersome and difficult to place on playing fields, limiting their effectiveness in providing cooling aerosolized water during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
A portable misting system with a removable canopy and user-actuated controls, featuring a modular design with extendable struts, wheels for mobility, and optional features like a water chiller or heater, allowing for efficient and customizable deployment of aerosolized water above seated users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trailer-based misting system is used, then the system can provide aerosolized water to athletes, but the system becomes difficult to place on the playing field or court
Solution Approach 1:
The misting system is divided into modular components including a canopy assembly with integrated misting heads, a separate water reservoir, and a pump system. This segmentation allows the system to be assembled in stages and positioned more easily on playing fields compared to a monolithic trailer design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a ground-level trailer-based design to an elevated canopy structure that positions misting heads directly above seating areas. This dimensional change allows the system to be deployed in spaces where trailer placement is problematic, such as over basketball courts or stadium seating.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the canopy is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but the system loses adaptability to different playing field configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable support structures that allow the framework to be dynamically positioned at different locations and orientations on playing fields. The misting system can be adapted to various court sizes and configurations while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for misting heads, acts as a framework for shade cloth or branding, and can be configured for different seating arrangements. This multi-functionality allows a single system design to adapt to various playing field configurations and events.
3Ease of operation
If manual controls are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the user experience is less convenient compared to automated or sensor-activated controls
Solution Approach 1:
The misting system incorporates sensor-activated controls that automatically detect when athletes or spectators are present in the seating area and activate the misting function without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach enhances convenience while the control logic remains integrated and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the presence of users and provides feedback-based automatic activation of the misting function. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond dynamically to user needs while maintaining simple operation through automated control logic.
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 provides cooling aerosolized water to athletes, enhancing comfort and mobility while being easily deployable on various surfaces, addressing the limitations of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is coupled to the tank... A water supply line is coupled at one end to an output of the pump
Implementation Method 2
aerosolizing misting head... releasing a mist or aerosolized water
Implementation Method 3
aerosolized water... cooling aerosolized water
Data Source
AI summary
The misting system has, in one embodiment, two seats with misting heads above each seat. A platform supports the seats, a tank, a pump and a power source. A supply line couples the tank-supplied pump and the misters. Removable canopy is mounted above seats by vertical and curvaceous struts and the misters are mounted on the struts. A user actuated UA control on the seat(s) activates pump ON to release mist. Wheels make the module mobile. Battery, solar power, and chiller are options. A countdown timer turns OFF the pump or controllable, inline valves after initial activation of the UA control. A level sensor in the tank alerts the user via a user display. A pressurized system can be used. Multiple modules coupled together are controlled by a master module with master controls.