Sanitary Fitting Aerator with Laminar and Mist Jets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sanitary fittings with aerators that discharge liquid as a laminar jet often result in high liquid consumption, which needs to be reduced.

Innovation Solution

An aerator for sanitary fittings that includes a first jet former for discharging liquid as a laminar jet and a second jet former for discharging it as a mist jet, allowing for reduced liquid consumption by switching between these modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If liquid is dispensed as a laminar jet through a traditional aerator, then the liquid flow is stable and continuous, but the liquid consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid consumptionVSAvoidliquid flow stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aerator divides the liquid flow into multiple separate streams using multiple nozzles arranged in a circular pattern. Instead of a single laminar jet, the liquid is segmented into several smaller jets that collectively provide stable flow while reducing individual stream impact and overall consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aerator introduces a rotating element that dynamically adjusts the direction and distribution of liquid jets. This rotation creates a moving pattern of liquid delivery that maintains stable overall flow while allowing flexible control and reducing peak consumption at any single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single jet former design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different liquid consumption requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge mode flexibilityVSAvoidaerator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerator incorporates multiple nozzles with different orientations and angles within a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions: dispensing liquid in various directions, creating different flow patterns, and adapting to different consumption requirements. This multi-functional design allows one aerator to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerator design nests multiple nozzle elements and flow channels within a compact circular housing. The nozzles are arranged concentrically and at different angular positions, creating a nested structure that maximizes functionality within a small footprint while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 aerator effectively reduces liquid consumption by allowing the option to dispense liquid as a mist jet, which uses less water than a traditional laminar jet, thereby optimizing water usage.

Implementation Method 1

a first beam former (3) for delivering the liquid as a laminar jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

a second beam former (4) for delivering the liquid as a mist jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Data Source

PatentEP4190984A1Jet regulator for a sanitary fitting and sanitary fitting with such a jet regulator
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 GROHE AG
  • EP4190984A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4190984A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4190984A1 patent drawingFigure 6~11

AI summary

A flow regulator (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), comprising at least: - a first flow former (3) for dispensing the liquid as a laminar jet; and - a second flow former (4) for dispensing the liquid as a mist jet. Furthermore, a sanitary fitting (2) with such a flow regulator (1) is proposed.