Splash Reducing Surfaces with Curved Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Splashing of liquids when they impinge on solid surfaces is a common issue in various natural and industrial processes, leading to unwanted coating of surrounding areas and unsanitary conditions, as seen in public restrooms.
Innovation Solution
Designing surfaces based on an impingement angle that fluid streams make when impinging, ensuring that the angle is less than a critical angle (e.g., 30° or 40°) to reduce or eliminate satellite droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a liquid drop or jet impinges on a solid surface at a high impingement angle, then the liquid is effectively collected or contained, but splashing occurs generating satellite droplets that spread far from the impact location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impingement angle parameter by designing surfaces with specific geometric configurations (inclined planes, curved surfaces) that redirect the liquid jet to impact at angles less than a critical angle (typically less than 40 degrees). This parameter change reduces the normal component of impact velocity, thereby reducing satellite droplet generation while maintaining liquid collection effectiveness through proper surface geometry design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded geometries to redirect liquid flow. By using curved impact surfaces instead of sharp edges or flat perpendicular surfaces, the liquid jet is gradually redirected to achieve lower impingement angles, reducing splash while maintaining containment. The curved surfaces allow for smoother flow transitions and more controlled liquid redirection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the impingement angle is reduced to less than a critical angle to reduce splashing, then satellite droplet formation is reduced or eliminated, but the surface design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collection surface into multiple segmented zones with different geometric characteristics. Each segment is designed to handle specific portions of the liquid flow at optimized impingement angles. This segmentation allows the system to reduce satellite droplet formation in critical areas while using simpler geometries in less critical areas, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surfaces and rounded geometries to redirect liquid flow. By using curved impact surfaces instead of sharp edges or flat perpendicular surfaces, the liquid jet is gradually redirected to achieve lower impingement angles, reducing splash while maintaining containment. The curved surfaces allow for smoother flow transitions and more controlled liquid redirection.
3Device complexity
If standard flat surfaces are used for liquid collection, then the device design is simple, but large areas of surrounding surfaces become coated with splashed liquid droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impingement angle parameter by designing surfaces with specific geometric configurations (inclined planes, curved surfaces) that redirect the liquid jet to impact at angles less than a critical angle (typically less than 40 degrees). This parameter change reduces the normal component of impact velocity, thereby reducing satellite droplet generation while maintaining liquid collection effectiveness through proper surface geometry design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful splashing phenomenon into a beneficial contained flow pattern. By designing surfaces that redirect liquid at optimized angles, the natural splashing tendency is transformed into controlled liquid redirection along the surface, containing the liquid within a smaller area and preventing widespread contamination of surrounding surfaces.
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 proposed solution effectively reduces or eliminates splashing, leading to cleaner and healthier environments by minimizing the area affected by splashed liquids, and can be applied to various applications including urinals, pet bowls, and coffee machines.
Implementation Method 1
The formation of splashes depends on many factors including liquid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, surface tension), surface properties (e.g., surface roughness, wettability, stiffness)
Implementation Method 2
The formation of splashes depends on many factors including liquid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, surface tension), surface properties (e.g., surface roughness, wettability, stiffness)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing splashing of a liquid impinging on a surface include two sidewalls symmetrically oriented about a vertical plane. The sidewalls are joined along the vertical plane defining a back corner of a splash reducing surface. Each sidewall forms an angle less than a critical angle relative to a horizontal line extending from the sidewall to a vertical axis. The vertical axis is on the vertical plane at a specified distance from the back corner.