Pressurized Manifold Jet System for Spa Leak Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa manufacturing processes are costly, time-consuming, and prone to leaks due to the manual installation of numerous water and air jets, which increases repair and warranty costs and requires high hydraulic impedance from complex plumbing.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized manifold and jet system featuring plastic jet pods with integrated fittings and gaskets, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and reducing the number of potential leakage points, and allowing for easier customization and reduced hydraulic impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual installation of numerous water and air jets is used, then hydrotherapy functionality is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual jet assemblies into a single integrated manifold unit. The manifold incorporates multiple jet nozzles, water supply lines, and air supply lines integrated into one component, eliminating the need to manually install each jet assembly separately. This merging of components directly reduces manufacturing time while maintaining the hydrotherapy functionality of multiple jets.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes water to multiple jets, supplies air to multiple jets, and provides structural support for all jet assemblies. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing the overall number of parts and installation steps required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual jet assemblies with separate water and air supply lines are installed, then customized hydrotherapy is achieved, but the number of potential leakage points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple water supply lines, air supply lines, and jet nozzles into a single manifold assembly, the patent reduces the number of connection points where leaks could occur. The integrated design means there are fewer separate fittings and connections between components, thereby improving reliability while still allowing customized hydrotherapy through the configuration of jets within the manifold.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex plumbing with numerous water supply lines is used, then individual jet control is achieved, but hydraulic impedance increases requiring higher power motors
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold consolidates multiple water supply lines into a single integrated water distribution system. Instead of having separate lines for each jet, the manifold uses a unified water supply approach with internal distribution channels, reducing the total length and complexity of plumbing. This reduces hydraulic impedance and allows the use of lower-power motors while maintaining individual jet control capability.
4Strength
If metal components are used in jet assemblies, then structural strength is achieved, but corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction, particularly using corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic for the manifold and jet components. These materials provide sufficient structural strength while offering superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional metal components. The integrated manifold design further enhances this by using uniform corrosion-resistant materials throughout the assembly.
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 significantly reduces installation time and costs, minimizes leaks, lowers repair and warranty expenses, and allows for efficient operation with a single motor, while providing customizable hydrotherapy experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for circulating the fluid and a jet pod arranged in at least one of the seating positions and in fluid communication with the pump
Implementation Method 2
Each of said jet pods includes a generally hollow body having an inlet configured to accept a supply of water and a plurality of outlet apertures configured to deliver a plurality of streams of pressurized water
Data Source
AI summary
A spa according to the present invention includes a shell having a plurality of seating positions formed in the shell, a base supporting the shell, and a hydrotherapy system configured to draw a fluid from the spa and inject the fluid back into said spa as at least one a pressurized jet. The hydrotherapy system includes a pump for circulating the fluid and a jet pod arranged in at least one of the seating positions and in fluid communication with the pump.