Splash Pad Recirculation System for Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional splash pads require a continuous supply of clean water, which is inefficient and wasteful, and the plumbing infrastructure can be a tripping hazard and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A splash pad design featuring a base pad with longitudinally-extending troughs and a laterally-extending drain channel, connected to a water distribution manifold and a reservoir, allowing for water recirculation and filtration, with a pump system that supplies water under pressure to water-distribution features, and a pad surface that allows water to flow into the troughs and drain channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional splash pad uses a continuous supply of clean water, then water distribution features can operate reliably, but water consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a water recirculation system where water collected in the reservoir is filtered and reused by the pump to supply water-distribution features again. This recovering principle reduces water consumption while maintaining reliable operation of water features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a closed-loop feedback mechanism where water flows from the pad surface through drains to the reservoir, then is pumped back through filters and distribution features, continuously circulating and reusing the same water supply.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plumbing is installed below the deck surface to eliminate tripping hazards, then safety improves, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plumbing functions into an integrated underground system. The drain channel, reservoir, pump, and water distribution manifold are merged into a unified infrastructure below the pad surface, eliminating tripping hazards while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The plumbing system is moved from a two-dimensional surface layout to a three-dimensional subsurface configuration. Drains, reservoirs, and piping are positioned below the pad surface, transitioning the system to another spatial dimension to eliminate safety hazards.
3Loss of substance
If a recirculation system with reservoir and pump is implemented, then water efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system is designed to operate with minimal external intervention. The pump automatically draws water from the reservoir, filters it, and redistributes it through the water-distribution features, creating a self-sustaining recirculation loop that reduces water consumption without requiring complex external control 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
This design reduces water consumption by recirculating water, eliminates tripping hazards by hiding plumbing, and enhances safety and aesthetics by creating a smooth, sloped surface for users.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is connected to the reservoir. The pump supplies water under pressure to a water distribution manifold.
Implementation Method 2
Each longitudinally-extending trough has a respective channel opening that is connected to a laterally extending drain channel... A drain is located on the base pad. The drain collects the water from the deck surface and transfers it to a reservoir.
Data Source
AI summary
A water amusement device includes a base pad that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. A plurality of longitudinally-extending troughs is located on the base pad. Each longitudinally-extending trough has a respective channel opening that is connected to a laterally extending drain channel. A pad surface is located on the longitudinally-extending troughs and a water-distribution feature located on the pad surface.