Spa Waterfall Flow Control With Diverter Valve and Separate Jet Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterfall systems for spas are complex to fabricate and maintain, consume significant energy, and are costly to operate due to high-powered pump circuits, while also lacking in aesthetically appealing acoustical and visual experiences.
Innovation Solution
A vessel with a liquid circulation pump apparatus that includes a diverter valve to control the flow rate of liquid to an exit port, reducing energy consumption and complexity, combined with an illuminated indicia display and a separate pump for jets, optimizing energy use and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex waterfall apparatus with internal baffles and interchangeable outlet caps is used, then waterfall functionality can be achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall system is segmented into separate functional modules: a manifold with internal baffles for water distribution, interchangeable outlet caps for different waterfall configurations, and a dedicated pump system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by isolating potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed with universal applicability through interchangeable outlet caps that can be swapped to create different waterfall patterns and configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single manifold assembly to serve multiple waterfall design requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If high powered pump circuits are used to drive hydrotherapeutic water jets, then waterfall and jet functionality is achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with dynamic flow control capabilities, allowing the pump to adjust its operation based on actual waterfall and jet requirements. This enables the system to use only the necessary power for each function, rather than running high-powered pumps continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs variable pump parameters including adjustable flow rates, pressure levels, and pump speed to match the specific demands of different waterfall and jet configurations. This parameter optimization ensures efficient energy usage by matching pump output to actual system requirements.
3Reliability
If pop-up telescoping waterfall apparatus is used, then waterfall feature can be created, but ease of manufacture and installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping waterfall apparatus is divided into segmented, modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation simplifies both manufacturing processes and installation, as each module can be produced using standard fabrication methods and then assembled into the complete waterfall feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism employs a nested structure where one component fits within another, allowing for compact storage and simplified assembly. The nested design reduces the number of external parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the telescoping functionality for creating the waterfall feature.
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 simplifies the waterfall system, reduces energy consumption, and enhances the aesthetic experience by allowing adjustable flow rates and separate pump operations, making it easier to maintain and less costly to operate.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit... The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the liquid containing area through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the at least one exit port
Implementation Method 2
a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit... The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the at least one exit port
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.