Shower Head Splash Vane Helical Flow Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower heads fail to efficiently wet the body, conserve water, and maintain a comfortable temperature due to droplet size and heat transfer issues, as existing spray nozzles from agricultural and cleaning applications are not suitable for bath systems.
Innovation Solution
A splash vane mechanism that generates conic fluid jets with variable droplet density and diameter, incorporating a cylindrical body with helical flow boundary walls and vane openings, imparting rotational motion to fluid for atomization and turbulence, resulting in a conical jet with significant dispersion angles, optimizing droplet size for heat transfer and water conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If smaller droplet sizes are used to cover larger area and conserve water, then water conservation is improved, but heat loss increases due to larger total surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling droplet size parameters (diameter and density) to optimize the balance between water conservation and heat retention. By adjusting the droplet size distribution through the vane geometry, the system achieves maximum water efficiency while minimizing the total surface area exposed to ambient air, thereby reducing convective heat loss.
2Loss of energy
If larger droplet sizes are used to retain more heat, then heat retention is improved, but water conservation deteriorates as larger droplets require more water to cover the same area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes droplet size parameters to achieve the ideal balance point where droplets are large enough to retain heat but small enough to conserve water. The vane design controls the breakup of the water jet into droplets of specific size ranges that simultaneously satisfy both heat retention and water conservation requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If generic spray nozzles from agricultural applications are used, then water coverage area is improved, but suitability for shower applications deteriorates due to inappropriate droplet size and temperature characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the vane with specific geometric features (helical flow paths, blade angles, thickness variations) that create locally optimized flow conditions. These local geometric modifications generate the precise droplet size distribution and velocity profile needed for shower applications, differentiating it from generic agricultural spray nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters including droplet diameter distribution, droplet velocity, and spray pattern geometry to match shower application requirements. The vane design transforms the water flow into a spray pattern with specific parameters (droplet size 0.5-2mm, controlled dispersion angle) that are optimal for human comfort and water conservation.
4Force
If high-pressure cleaning spray nozzles are used, then droplet impact force is improved, but suitability for shower applications deteriorates due to excessively high impact force on the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the droplet impact force parameter by adjusting droplet size, velocity, and distribution. The vane geometry is designed to reduce the velocity and impact force of droplets to levels comfortable for human skin, while still maintaining sufficient cleaning capability. This involves optimizing the spray angle, droplet size distribution, and flow rate parameters.
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 splash vane design delivers a warm and comfortable shower experience while conserving water by controlling droplet size and heat loss, providing efficient wetting over a large area with reduced water usage.
Implementation Method 1
A vigorous forced rotational motion is imparted to fluid entering the nozzles by the plurality of swirling flow paths of the splash vane. Fluid exits the vane with a large vorticity coupled with high intensity turbulence.
Implementation Method 2
A vigorous forced rotational motion is imparted to fluid entering the nozzles by the plurality of swirling flow paths of the splash vane. Fluid exits the vane with a large vorticity coupled with high intensity turbulence.
Implementation Method 3
Atomizing elements, also called splash vanes, and shower heads incorporating the same. Spray nozzles with vanes are also used widely for tank cleaning, auto wash facilities, driveway cleaning and other high-pressure applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An atomizing and vortex generating vane for cooperation with a nozzle of a shower head includes a cylindrical body having a central longitudinal axis and a vane blocker centered about the axis. The vane blocker has a cross-sectional profile rotated about the axis in a helical path from top to bottom, forming helical flow boundary walls. Fluid flows through flow paths defined by the flow boundary walls, in a swirling path around the central longitudinal axis. A splash nozzle including the vane generates fluid jets ranging from full cone to the hollow cone fluid jets, for showering purposes. A shower head including a storage tank and a plurality of the splash nozzles is designed to conserve water while providing a warm and comfortable shower experience.