Recirculating Shower System Using Venturi Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recirculating shower systems require electrical power to operate, which can be a limitation in scenarios where both water and electricity are scarce, and they often increase mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating shower system that utilizes the venturi effect to draw water from the shower floor into the water stream, mixing it with pressurized water to increase flow without the need for electricity, reducing mechanical complexity and conserving water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional recirculating shower systems use electrical pumps to draw water from the shower floor, then water can be recirculated and flow increased, but electrical power is required which is not available in scenarios with limited resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical pump system with a venturi effect-based mechanical flow generation system. The pressurized water flowing through the showerhead creates a low-pressure zone that mechanically draws recirculated water from the shower floor through the conduit, eliminating the need for electrical power while maintaining water recirculation and flow enhancement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by employing the venturi effect to create pressure differential for water recirculation. The high-velocity pressurized water stream creates a low-pressure zone that draws recirculated water into the flow path, enabling passive hydraulic pumping without electrical energy input
2Productivity
If conventional recirculating shower systems use electrical pumps and control mechanisms, then water recirculation is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electrical pumps and complex control mechanisms by using the venturi effect to achieve water recirculation. The system relies on natural pressure differentials and fluid dynamics, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining recirculation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressurized water flow itself to create the conditions for recirculation through the venturi effect. The high-velocity water stream automatically generates the low-pressure zone needed to draw recirculated water, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for external power or complex controls
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 system achieves significant water conservation and energy savings by increasing water flow through the showerhead while eliminating the need for electrical power, making it suitable for areas with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
A recirculating shower system that utilizes the venturi effect to draw water from the shower floor into the water stream
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a shower system that includes a showerhead fixture and a base connected by conduits. The showerhead fixture includes an inlet for receiving pressurized water. A diverter is configured to divert at least a portion of the pressurized water to the base. The showerhead fixture also includes a second inlet fluidly connected to a recirculating showerhead portion with a plurality of showerhead jets for expelling mixed water received from the base. The base is configured to create a reservoir of water on a shower floor and includes a venturi pump capable of using pressurized water from the showerhead fixture to draw in water from the reservoir into the stream of pressurized water. The mixed water is sent from the base to the jets in the showerhead fixture to thereby increase the volume of water expelled from the showerhead.