Spout Flow-Conditioning Mesh Structure for Uniform Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spout apparatuses fail to maintain a beautiful linear water form from multiple spray holes due to eddy currents generated by the flow of water colliding with flow-conditioning meshes, leading to non-uniform flow velocity distribution and structural sagging under water pressure, which complicates achieving a compact and efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A spout apparatus with a flow-conditioning member formed by a three-dimensionally layered mesh structure, where the mesh structure extends parallel to the water flow direction, resisting water pressure and maintaining uniform flow velocity distribution, and incorporating first and second holes of varying sizes to manage air bubbles, ensuring efficient water passage and preventing bubble accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple flow-conditioning meshes are placed in the shower apparatus to achieve uniform flow velocity distribution, then the water form becomes more uniform, but the apparatus size increases due to required large spacing between meshes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional single mesh configuration to a three-dimensional stacked mesh structure. Multiple mesh sheets are arranged in layers along the water flow direction, creating a volumetric flow-conditioning structure that achieves uniform velocity distribution without requiring large lateral spacing, thus resolving the contradiction between flow uniformity and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-conditioning function is segmented across multiple thin mesh sheets stacked in series, with each sheet contributing to velocity uniformization. This segmentation allows the total flow-conditioning effect to be distributed through a compact stacked arrangement rather than requiring a single large-spaced mesh, reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining flow uniformity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the line wire diameter of flow-conditioning meshes is reduced to suppress eddy currents, then eddy current size decreases, but the mesh structure sags under water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite support structures combining rigid framework elements with flexible mesh materials. The rigid supports provide structural strength to prevent sagging under water pressure, while the fine-mesh portions maintain low eddy current generation. This composite approach allows fine wire diameters for eddy current suppression while compensating for reduced structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid support structures are strategically positioned behind the fine mesh sheets to counteract the sagging force generated by water pressure. These supports act as counterbalancing elements that compensate for the weakened structural integrity of fine-wire meshes, enabling the use of thin wires for eddy current suppression without structural failure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the spacing between flow-conditioning mesh sheets is increased to suppress eddy currents, then eddy current effects are reduced, but the flow-conditioning chamber must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention rearranges the mesh sheet configuration from lateral spacing to longitudinal stacking along the flow direction. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple meshes to be positioned in close proximity (reducing chamber volume) while still achieving eddy current suppression through the cumulative effect of multiple sequential conditioning stages.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple mesh sheets are arranged in periodic succession along the flow path, creating a series of flow-conditioning stages. This periodic arrangement allows eddy currents to be continuously suppressed at each mesh interface while maintaining compact spacing between sheets, reducing the overall chamber volume compared to large single-spacings.
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 effectively suppresses sagging and maintains uniform flow velocity distribution even with fine wire diameters, achieving a compact and efficient spout apparatus that maintains a straight water flow over a significant distance with high transparency.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh structure portion of at least a portion of the mesh structure extends in a direction parallel to the direction of water flowing into the flow-conditioning member... the mesh structure portion... can resist the pressure of inflowing water
Implementation Method 2
a flow-conditioning member disposed on the flow path of the spout apparatus main body for conditioning the distribution of flow velocities of supplied water
Implementation Method 3
eddy currents generated by the circling flow of water to the rear side of the flow-conditioning mesh when the water collides with the flow-conditioning mesh disturbs the flow velocity distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Summary Problem: To provide a spout apparatus in which sagging of the mesh structure portion in the flow-conditioning member due to water pressure can be suppressed even if the flow-conditioning member is formed by a fine diameter mesh structure, and the flow-conditioning member can be compactly constituted and flow velocity distribution made uniform.Solution Means: The embodiment of the invention is a spout apparatus 2, including a spout apparatus main unit 6, a flow-conditioning member 12, and a spray member 16; wherein the flow-conditioning member 12 is formed by a mesh structure in which numerous fine holes are formed, and the mesh structure is layered and formed three dimensionally, such that the mesh structure portion of at least a portion of the mesh structure extends in a direction parallel to the direction of water flowing into the flow-conditioning member.