Ribbon Flow Waterfall Spout with Plenum Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable spas lack visual stimulation, which is a missing element in enhancing the overall spa experience beyond tactile and auditory sensations.
Innovation Solution
A ribbon waterfall feature is introduced, where an elongated spout with a plenum chamber maintains a constant water flow, and a light source illuminates the water flow from the spout, creating a visually appealing ribbon of water that falls into the spa, enhancing the visual experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a waterfall feature is added to provide visual stimulation, then the visual experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the plenum chamber serves as both a flow buffer and structural support, the spout integrates flow control and structural support, and the light source is mounted directly on the spout assembly. This merging approach adds visual stimulation while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout structure serves multiple purposes: it controls water flow distribution, provides structural support for the light source, and acts as a mounting platform for the entire waterfall assembly. The plenum chamber both buffers flow and distributes water evenly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an elongated spout with plenum chamber is used to maintain constant water flow, then the water flow stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum chamber is designed to pre-buffer and stabilize water flow before it reaches the spout. This preliminary flow conditioning ensures that variations in pump output or water level do not directly affect the waterfall flow, maintaining stability without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances on the spout itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric parameters of the spout (elongated shape, specific opening dimensions) and the plenum chamber (volume, inlet/outlet positioning) to control flow characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves stable flow distribution while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
3Illumination intensity
If a light source is mounted near the spout to illuminate the water flow, then the visual appeal is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is positioned specifically near the spout where the water flow is most visible and creates the most visually appealing effect. This localized illumination focuses energy where it provides maximum visual impact rather than illuminating the entire spa, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining visual appeal.
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 ribbon waterfall feature provides a visually captivating element to the spa experience, enhancing the overall sensory stimulation and creating a more immersive environment.
Implementation Method 1
The plenum chamber is formed to buffer the input flow so as to maintain a constant output flow
Implementation Method 2
An elongated light source mounted near the mouth of the output spout lights up the ribbon-shaped water flow from the spout
Data Source
AI summary
A flat ribbon-shaped waterfall for a portable spa is caused to flow out of the top rim or top side of a spa. A narrow elongated spout forms the output end of a plenum chamber that has a water inlet. The plenum chamber is constructed to baffle surges in the inlet water flow. A light source is placed close to the mouth of the elongated spout to light the ribbon of water flowing from the spout in multi-color, if desired.