Venturi Ball Joint Connector for Aerated Shower Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional showerheads with restricted flow rates lead to a perceived lack of forcefulness, and existing aerating systems either disrupt aesthetics, increase complexity, or result in water leakage and noise when integrated with ball joints.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint connector with a housing featuring an axial passageway forming a venturi and a radially extending air inlet port, equipped with a check valve or sleeve insert to induce air into the water stream while preventing reverse flow and noise, allowing for retrofitted aeration of existing showerheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If flow rate is restricted for water conservation, then water waste is reduced, but the perceived forcefulness of the shower decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by introducing air into the water stream through a venturi-induced vacuum effect. The venturi passage creates a pressure differential that draws air through a radial inlet port, mixing air bubbles with water to increase volume and perceived force while maintaining restricted flow rate for conservation
2Quantity of substance
If an aeration system is integrated with the showerhead or faucet spout, then water volume appears more bulky, but aesthetics are disrupted and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aeration function from the showerhead assembly and relocates it to a separate ball joint component. This allows the aeration mechanism (venturi passage, radial inlet, check valve) to be manufactured independently and attached to existing showerheads, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the aerated water effect
3Adaptability or versatility
If a radial air inlet is placed at the ball joint with a venturi passage, then air is induced into the water flow, but water may leak back out the air inlet creating noise and spray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a check valve as an intermediary component within the radial air inlet port. This check valve permits air to flow into the water stream through the venturi-induced vacuum effect while preventing reverse flow of water back through the air inlet, thereby eliminating water leakage and associated noise and spray problems
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 aerated water without leakage or noise, enabling retrofitting of millions of existing showerheads with improved aesthetics and functionality at a standard cost, while reducing noise and water waste.
Implementation Method 1
as water passes through a throat of the venturi, the water velocity increases and the pressure decreases. The resulting negative pressure draws in ambient air through the radial inlet
Implementation Method 2
the insert is in the form of a check valve that permits air flow through the inlet port into the passageway, but restricts reverse flow from the passageway through the inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A ball joint connector is provided for linking a showerhead to a water supply pipe. The connector has an internal venturi that draws air into the connector to aerate water being provided to the showerhead. A flow control member is disposed in a fluid pathway connected to the venturi, preventing spraying or leaking out the air inlet, while reducing noise associated with the air induction.