Tap Connector Ribbed Flow Channel for Stable Water Jet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tap connectors cause water to spray out instead of forming a uniform jet when no hose is coupled, due to liquid turbulences induced by the tap valve, leading to splashing issues.

Innovation Solution

A tap connector design featuring a fluid channel with integrally formed ribs that protrude from its wall, guiding the liquid flow and reducing turbulences by segmenting the channel, resulting in a focused and stable liquid stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional tap connector is used without a hose, then the water flows directly from the tap, but the water sprays out instead of forming a uniform jet due to liquid turbulences caused by the tap valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow stabilityVSAvoidliquid turbulence
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid channel is segmented by introducing multiple ribs that divide the channel into several flow paths. This segmentation breaks up the turbulent flow into smaller, more controlled streams that can be stabilized as they exit the connector, transforming the harmful turbulence into a uniform jet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs act as intermediary structures within the fluid channel that mediate between the turbulent flow from the tap valve and the final output stream. These ribs provide a physical interface that redirects and stabilizes the flow, converting the unstable turbulent flow into a focused, uniform jet without requiring a hose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If ribs are added to the fluid channel to reduce turbulence, then the liquid flow is stabilized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow stabilityVSAvoidfluid channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs are integrally formed with the fluid channel wall as a single piece, merging the channel structure with the flow-stabilizing elements. This integration eliminates the need for separate turbulence-reducing components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving flow stabilization through the ribbed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the fluid channel by adding ribs with specific dimensions and arrangements. By carefully selecting rib parameters such as height, spacing, and orientation, the design achieves flow stabilization through geometric modification rather than adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ribbed fluid channel design stabilizes the liquid flow, preventing splashing and ensuring a uniform, focused stream at the outlet, allowing for efficient water dispensing without hoses.

Implementation Method 1

the ribs, a silencing of liquid turbulences within the fluid channel is achieved which leads to a uniform and focussed liquid stream at the outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction through flow guidance: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3433527B1Tap connector with flow stabilization
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3433527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3433527B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3433527B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a tap connector comprising a first coupling portion (2) adapted to couple the tap connector (1) with a tap (10) and a second coupling portion (3) adapted to receive a hose connector, wherein the second coupling portion (3) comprises a fluid channel (4) for guiding a fluid received from the tap (10) to a fluid outlet (5), characterized in that the fluid channel (4) comprises one or more ribs (6) protruding from a wall (4.1) of the fluid channel into the fluid channel (4) and the one or more ribs (6) are integrally formed at the wall (4.1) of the fluid channel (4).