Spa Jet Flow Modifier with Independent Water Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa jets cannot independently control flow volume and flow modification, limiting the ability to achieve small modifications at high flow rates or large modifications at low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A spa jet design that separates the control of flow volume and flow modification, using a water wheel to drive a flow modifier independently of the flow rate, allowing for adjustable rotational speed and flow modification regardless of the jet's flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flow modification is increased, then jet modification effect is improved, but jet flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet system is divided into two independent control paths: one for flow volume control and another for flow modification control. The flow modifier (water wheel) is driven by a separate water supply that can be independently adjusted from the main jet flow, allowing the modification intensity to be controlled without directly reducing the jet flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate water supply system acts as an intermediary to drive the flow modifier. This intermediary water stream provides the rotational force needed for flow modification while being independently controllable from the main jet flow, enabling decoupled control of modification intensity and flow volume.
2Quantity of substance
If jet flow rate is reduced, then water consumption is decreased, but flow modification effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water usage into two functions: main jet flow for hydration and a separate smaller flow for driving the modification mechanism. This allows the modification effectiveness to be maintained by the separate drive flow while the main jet flow can be reduced to lower overall water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow modifier is self-driven by a dedicated water supply that automatically provides the necessary rotational force. The system uses a portion of the water supply specifically for driving the modification mechanism, making the modification effectiveness self-sustaining independent of the main jet flow rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow modifier is added, then jet functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water wheel flow modifier is self-actuating, using the drive water flow itself to generate rotational motion without requiring external motors, actuators, or complex control systems. This mechanical self-service approach adds functionality while minimizing the addition of complex controlled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles where water flow directly drives the water wheel mechanism. The kinetic energy of the drive water stream is converted to rotational motion through hydraulic action on the water wheel, providing flow modification functionality through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical actuation systems.
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 independent control of flow volume and modification, allowing for low flow with significant modification or high flow with minimal modification, enhancing user comfort and spa experience.
Implementation Method 1
Within the jet body is a water or turbine wheel in a water wheel space with ports for water wheel input and water wheel output
Data Source
AI summary
A jet for a spa or bathing system that has a water flow modifier, where the water flow modifier is controlled independently from the flow rate of water through the jet.