Spa Waterfall Circulation With Diverter Valve and Separate Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa waterfall systems are complex to fabricate and maintain, consume high energy, and are costly to operate due to the need for high-powered pump circuits, while also lacking in aesthetically appealing acoustical and visual experiences.
Innovation Solution
A spa vessel with an integrated liquid circulation pump apparatus featuring a diverter valve and separate pumps for jets and waterfall, allowing adjustable flow rates and reduced energy consumption, combined with an illuminated indicia display for enhanced aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-powered pump circuits are used to drive hydrotherapeutic water jets and waterfall features, then the waterfall can be created with sufficient flow, but energy consumption and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into multiple independent pumps, each dedicated to specific functions (waterfall feature, hydrotherapeutic jets, etc.). This allows each pump to be sized appropriately for its specific task rather than using one oversized high-powered pump for all functions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate flow for the waterfall.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex assemblies with manifolds and internal baffles are used to create waterfall features, then the waterfall can be formed, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall feature is extracted as a separate, independent component that can be removed and installed without disassembling the entire spa system. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex internal manifolds and baffles, simplifying both manufacture and maintenance while still achieving the desired waterfall effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pop-up telescoping waterfall apparatus is mounted into side wall, then the waterfall can be created, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall system is divided into separate functional modules: a simple mounting structure integrated into the spa wall, a telescoping mechanism for position adjustment, and the waterfall feature itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 spa waterfall design, reduces energy usage, and enhances the visual and acoustic experience by allowing for adjustable flow rates and separate pump systems, making the system 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 and in fluid communication with the circulation pump and 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.