Steam Shower System Using Mechanical Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam shower systems are complex, expensive, and often require electrical power, failing to generate sufficient steam and resulting in unwanted water droplets, which has hindered their market success.
Innovation Solution
A steam shower device comprising a steam enclosure, mixed water line, steam nozzle assembly, steam vent, and hot water pan, along with vacuum air vents, that uses hot and cold water supplies to generate steam without electricity, allowing for easy installation and efficient steam production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical power is used for steam generation, then steam production efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical heating systems with a purely mechanical/thermal system using hot water injection. The steam is generated by injecting hot water into the shower enclosure through a nozzle assembly, eliminating the need for electric heaters, motors, or control systems while maintaining effective steam production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the electrical power component from the steam shower system entirely. By using existing hot water from the household supply and a simple injection mechanism, the system achieves steam generation without requiring electrical infrastructure, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If hot and cold water supply is used, then ease of installation is improved, but steam generation sufficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing hot and cold water supply infrastructure for multiple purposes: hot water is injected to generate steam, while cold water is used to condense steam into water droplets that fall to the floor. This multi-functional use of the water supply system maintains installation simplicity while achieving sufficient steam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the injected water from typical shower temperatures to specifically hot water (near boiling point). This parameter change ensures sufficient thermal energy for steam generation while using the same water supply infrastructure, thereby maintaining ease of installation.
3Device complexity
If simple water spray system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but steam generation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nozzle assembly as an intermediary component that transforms the simple water spray into an atomized mist. The nozzle breaks the water stream into fine droplets, increasing the surface area for evaporation and improving steam generation quality while adding minimal complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural vibration and turbulence of water flowing through the nozzle assembly to atomize the water into fine droplets. This mechanical atomization process, driven by the water flow itself, creates effective steam generation without requiring complex mechanical or electrical components.
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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install steam shower system that generates a continuous and directed steam stream, enhancing the shower experience while eliminating the need for electrical power, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the steam nozzle head sprays the mixed water in a downward direction, such that the mixed water is partially atomized into a steam
Implementation Method 2
the hot water pan can collect excess condensed water from the steam
Data Source
AI summary
A steam shower device includes a steam enclosure, including a front plate with first and second vacuum air vents, a rear wall, and a steam chamber; a steam mixing valve with a steam control dial; a mixed water line; a steam nozzle assembly with a stem nozzle head; a steam vent, including a perimeter wall and a perimeter ledge; a visual trim panel; a hot water pan; such that the steam vent is configured to emit steam from the steam chamber. Optionally, the steam shower device can include a hand-held steam hose, which is detachably connectable to the steam vent.