Spa Water Chilling Assembly With Ventilated Dual-Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hot tubs and spas lack versatility in providing both hot and cold water experiences, limiting their usefulness and comfort for users of different heights and preferences.
Innovation Solution
A spa system incorporating a tub with a circulating system operatively coupled to both heating and cooling devices, allowing for the simultaneous withdrawal and return of water, which is heated or cooled as needed, supported by a chassis with a cooling device receiving area and vents for efficient air management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hot tubs are designed with heating only, then they can provide hot water therapy, but they lack versatility in providing cold water experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both heating and cooling capabilities into a single spa system. The chassis is designed with a receiving area that accommodates either a heating device or a cooling device, allowing the same tub structure to provide both hot and cold water experiences through optional device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature control function by providing separate heating and cooling devices that can be independently selected and installed. The chassis receives either a heating device (with heating element and thermostat) or a cooling device (with compressor, condenser, evaporator, and thermostat), allowing modular implementation of temperature control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heating and cooling devices are added to the spa system, then temperature control versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by segmenting the heating and cooling systems into separate, independently manufacturable modules. Each device (heating or cooling) is a complete self-contained unit with its own components (heating element with thermostat, or compressor with condenser and evaporator), allowing manufacturers to produce the tub chassis separately and then integrate the appropriate temperature control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides manufacturing flexibility through dynamic configuration options. The chassis is designed with a universal receiving area that can accommodate different device types based on market demand or customer preference, allowing the same base product to be manufactured with different temperature control configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cooling device is installed in the chassis, then cold water therapy is provided, but space for other components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designating a specific receiving area within the chassis dedicated to temperature control devices. This localized space allocation ensures that the cooling device (compressor, condenser, evaporator) has its own designated zone, preventing interference with other spa components and optimizing space utilization.
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
Enables easy temperature control of the water, providing both hot and cold spa experiences in a single tub, enhancing user comfort and versatility while being cost-effective and easy to construct and use.
Implementation Method 1
water cooling devices operatively coupled in series to the circulating system for chilling the water circulating therethrough
Implementation Method 2
heating devices operatively coupled in series to the circulating system for heating the water circulating therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a fan operative for drawing air into the enclosed space through the first vent to cool the cooling device
Implementation Method 4
a blower operative for expelling air from the enclosed space through the second vent
Data Source
AI summary
A spa system includes a tub supported by a chassis, an enclosed space formed between the tub and the chassis, first and second vents through the chassis leading to the enclosed space, water heating and cooling devices coupled in series to a circulating system adapted to withdraw and return water relative to the tub, and a thermostat operatively coupled to the heating and cooling devices. The cooling device incorporates a fan operative for drawing air into the enclosed space through the first vent in response to activation of the cooling device, and a blower is operative for expelling air from the enclosed space through the second vent currently with the operation of the fan of the cooling device.