Rotatable Laminar Bath Jets for Extended Therapeutic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrotherapy bath systems rely on turbulent flow patterns, which may not provide the soothing and therapeutic laminar flow experience desired in certain situations, and lack the ability to maintain laminar flow over extended distances without being blocked by the human body.
Innovation Solution
Designing a whirlpool bath system with rotatable laminar jet bodies and tub surface features that create convergent zones, utilizing computational fluid dynamics to maximize laminar stability and extend the distance of laminar flow before turbulence occurs, and incorporating optional features like periodic flow variations to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional turbulent flow patterns are used in hydrotherapy bath systems, then massaging effect is provided, but soothing therapeutic laminar flow experience is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between turbulent and laminar flow modes based on user selection, allowing the flow pattern to adapt to different therapeutic needs. The control system enables transition between flow regimes by adjusting pump operation and jet configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key flow parameters including Reynolds number, velocity profile, and turbulence intensity to transition between turbulent and laminar regimes. By controlling pump speed, pressure, and jet geometry, the system can produce either high-velocity turbulent flow for massage or low-velocity laminar flow for therapeutic effects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If laminar flow is produced using conventional jets, then laminar flow is achieved, but the flow becomes turbulent over short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends laminar flow in the longitudinal direction by using multiple jets arranged in series along the tub length. Water flows laminarly through each jet section sequentially, maintaining laminar stability over extended distances by dividing the total flow path into multiple controlled segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tub is divided into multiple flow zones with individual jets or jet groups in each zone. Each segment produces and maintains laminar flow independently, allowing the overall system to provide extended laminar flow coverage while preventing turbulence from propagating between segments.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple jets are used to extend laminar flow distance, then flow coverage is improved, but flow convergence and turbulence control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Jets are positioned asymmetrically along the tub walls with varying orientations and flow rates. This asymmetric configuration allows individual jets to contribute to overall flow coverage while maintaining distinct flow paths that converge naturally without creating turbulence, as each jet operates in a optimized position and angle.
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 achieves a dynamic, soothing laminar flow that simulates natural river currents, effectively delivering therapeutic benefits without being blocked by the body, with improved heat retention and reduced turbulence, allowing for a more consistent and relaxing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a laminar flow jet having a streamlined internal shape or design... directing two or more rotatable jet bodies in such a way that the water flow paths converge... produce a flow pattern simulative of a natural river current flow
Implementation Method 2
at least two laminar jets directing water streams substantially parallel to a tub wall into a convergent flow zone... desirable flow effects result when one or more convergence zones are created using surface features within the tub
Implementation Method 3
What is needed is a parallel flow jet that is rotatable for selection of flow direction... The jet bodies are designed to deliver a laminar current of water without turbulence or with minimal turbulence and/or substantially parallel streamlines in a selectable direction
Data Source
AI summary
A laminar jet for a hydrotherapy tub having a water inlet adapted for attachment to a water circulation system, a flow inducer section and a cap having a water outlet at one end of the cap. The cap may be rotated so the jet directs a substantially laminar water stream from the water outlet substantially parallel to tub surface. The jet cap may be locked in a desired position. A bathtub may have a number of laminar jets which may be direct water streams toward convergent zones and may simulate natural laminar flows. The zones or streams may be associated with recesses, channels or protrusions on a tub wall or directed to or around an object or occupant in the tub. The jet may be optimized for laminar flow by CFD, including streamline adjusting, eliminating negative pressure drop, and maximizing volumetric flow.