Variable Flow Aquarium Spout with Rotatable Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium systems face issues with messy and inefficient water filtration and change processes, often resulting in water spillage due to fixed filtration rates and lack of control over flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spout with a unique leg structure and a rotatable cap that adjusts the flow aperture, allowing for selective control of water flow from the filter space into the aquarium, enabling adjustable flow rates and minimizing spillage during filtration and water changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed pump size is used for water filtration, then the filtration rate is maintained, but water spillage occurs and the process becomes messy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spout adjustable between different positions (extended and retracted) and the flow control member adjustable between different opening degrees. This allows the filtration system to dynamically adapt the flow rate and discharge position according to actual needs, preventing water spillage while maintaining effective filtration. The spout can be extended for normal filtration and retracted for water changes, while the flow control member adjusts the aperture size to control flow rate precisely.
2Speed
If the spout flow aperture is fully open, then high flow rate is achieved, but water spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle through the flow control member that can adjust the flow aperture opening degree as a variable parameter. By changing the aperture size from fully open to partially closed, the system can precisely control the flow rate to match the actual operational needs, achieving high flow rate when necessary while preventing water spillage by reducing the flow rate when the aquarium is full or during water changes.
3Productivity
If the spout is always extended, then efficient water discharge is achieved, but water spillage occurs during overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spout position adjustable between extended and retracted states. During normal operation, the spout is extended to achieve efficient water discharge. When the aquarium approaches overfilling or during water changes, the spout can be retracted to prevent water spillage. This dynamic position adjustment allows the system to optimize water discharge efficiency while preventing harmful overflow.
Data Source
AI summary
An aquarium includes a container that contains a liquid. A spout includes a first leg that extends along a first axis from an inlet positioned in a bottom portion of the aquarium space to a bend, and a second leg that extends along a second axis from a flow aperture formed adjacent the bend to an outlet. The spout is arranged to direct a portion of the liquid from the inlet to the outlet. A cap is coupled to the spout and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The cap includes a seal element positioned to form a seal between the cap and the spout, and a flow control member fixedly attached to the cap and sized to completely block the flow aperture when the cap is in the first position and to completely uncover the flow aperture when the cap is in the second position.