Sanitary Insert Flow Obstruction for Stable Boiling Water Jets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary inserts experience pressure drops and undesirable steam generation when handling superheated liquids like boiling water, leading to uneven flow and jerky operation.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary insert with an inner water channel featuring a flow obstruction that generates both laterally and forward-directed outlet openings, combined with a mixing chamber and ventilation features to manage flow and prevent pressure drops, ensuring uniform jet patterns and reduced steam formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple water channel structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but pressure drops and steam generation occur when handling superheated liquids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidflow stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow obstruction is positioned upstream in the inner water channel to pre-deflect the flow before it reaches the outlet. This preliminary action prevents excessive velocity and pressure build-up that would cause steam generation, while the gradual deflection through laterally directed outlets maintains flow stability without requiring complex downstream structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flow obstruction divides the single inner water channel flow into multiple streams through laterally directed outlet openings. This segmentation reduces the velocity and pressure of each individual flow stream, preventing steam generation while maintaining overall flow stability. The segmented flows then merge in the mixing chamber to form a stable combined jet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the inner water channel flow is directly discharged, then the jet width is narrow, but it does not match the outer water channel flow width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejet pattern uniformityVSAvoidflow obstruction structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow obstruction incorporates laterally directed outlet openings that deflect the inner channel flow in the radial direction, perpendicular to the original axial flow direction. This dimensional change expands the flow width to match the outer channel flow width, creating uniform jet patterns without requiring complex widening structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow obstruction acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer water channels. It receives the narrow inner channel flow, redistributes it laterally through its outlet openings, and releases it at a width that matches the outer channel flow, enabling uniform combined jet patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If forward-facing outlet openings are added to the flow obstruction, then axial flow is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control flexibilityVSAvoidoutlet opening configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow obstruction is designed with dual-function outlet openings: laterally directed outlets for radial flow expansion and forward-facing outlets for axial flow maintenance. This multi-functionality allows a single component to control both the width and direction of the inner channel flow, providing flexible flow control without requiring multiple separate devices.

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

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 solution stabilizes flow and prevents excessive pressure drops, enabling smooth operation with superheated liquids and uniform jet patterns, while allowing for effective mixing and aeration.

Implementation Method 1

a flow obstruction is formed in the inner water channel, which at least partially generates a laterally directed flow, in particular a radial flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial flow:

Implementation Method 2

The formation of a flow obstruction can also prevent a pressure drop upstream of the insert due to backflow from becoming too great

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackflow pressure:

Implementation Method 3

a mixing chamber can be provided downstream of the flow obstruction, in which the outer and inner water flows are combined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Implementation Method 4

a baffle plate can be arranged downstream of the flow obstruction. This allows the water to be calmed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow damping: Damping

Implementation Method 5

at least one acceleration nozzle can be provided in the outer water channel at the inlet to the mixing chamber. This allows an aerated jet to be generated in the outer water channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Data Source

PatentEP4244433B1Sanitary insert and corresponding use
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP4244433B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4244433B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4244433B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanitary insert (1), characterized in that a flow obstacle (10) is provided in an inner water path (8) and deflects at least part of the flow in a lateral direction.