Splash Pad Nozzle Turbine Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current splash pad systems lack innovative and energy-emitting nozzle technologies that can effectively harness kinetic energy from water flow to power LED lights, speakers, and other devices, providing enhanced recreational experiences while maintaining safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The development of energized fluid nozzles that incorporate a turbine and energy transformation mechanisms to generate electricity from water flow, powering LED panels and other devices, with safety features like clear plates to prevent accidents and adjustable designs for various spray patterns and energy emission configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional nozzles are used in splash pads, then the system is simple and safe, but it lacks energy-emitting features and recreational enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single nozzle assembly: water flow control, kinetic energy harvesting via turbine, electrical energy generation, and LED lighting. The nozzle housing integrates the turbine chamber, generator components, and light-emitting elements, creating a multi-functional device that converts water kinetic energy into electrical energy for immediate use in illuminating the play area.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it distributes water for play, generates electrical energy from water flow, stores generated energy in capacitors or batteries, and provides illumination through LEDs. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, addressing the complexity concern while enabling energy emission.
2Illumination intensity
If energy-emitting devices are integrated into nozzles, then recreational experience is enhanced, but safety risks may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces clear protective plates or windows as intermediary elements between the internal LED components and the external environment. These transparent protective barriers allow light to pass through while preventing direct contact with electrical components, water ingress, and physical damage, thus maintaining illumination functionality while eliminating safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary safety measures by sealing the LED components behind protective transparent barriers before any harmful interaction can occur. The housing and protective plates are designed to prevent water, debris, and user contact from reaching electrical elements, proactively eliminating potential safety issues rather than reacting to them.
3Power
If turbines and energy transformation mechanisms are added to nozzles, then kinetic energy is harnessed effectively, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the turbine is housed within the nozzle body, the generator components are integrated into the turbine assembly, and the LED elements are positioned within the same housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple complex components to be packaged within a compact form factor, simplifying assembly and reducing the overall footprint while maintaining energy generation capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable spray patterns are implemented, then user experience is enhanced, but nozzle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable spray patterns through movable or rotatable nozzle elements that can change the direction and distribution of water flow. These dynamic components allow the nozzle to adapt to different play scenarios and user preferences while integrating seamlessly into the overall nozzle assembly, adding versatility without excessive complexity.
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 energized nozzles successfully transform kinetic energy into electrical energy to power LED lights and other devices, enhancing the play experience with dynamic light and sound effects while ensuring user safety through seamless and safe installations.
Implementation Method 1
harness kinetic energy from water flow
Implementation Method 2
energy transformation mechanisms to generate electricity from water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle assembly for residential splash pads can include a housing disposed at an interface of the residential splash pad and one or more channels configured to direct a flow of a fluid out of the nozzle assembly and into the residential splash pad. An energy-emitting fixture (such as an LED) can be disposed within the housing and configured to emit energy into the residential splash pad. The nozzle assembly can include a generator and a turbine connected to the generator. The nozzle assembly can further include a flow-diverting mechanism to direct the flow of the fluid to the turbine and increase the velocity of the flow of the fluid at a turbine interface.