Water Delivery Device with Movable Disk for Dynamic Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water delivery devices lack the capability to produce dramatic visual effects and fail to precisely control the configuration of water being shot out, limiting their ability to create dynamic and varied water shapes.
Innovation Solution
A water delivery device that uses a disk within an outlet pipe with an annular gap to vary the configuration of ejected water, allowing for programmable control of disk movement and water pressure to create dynamic formations such as expanding cones, hollow tubes, and collapsing columns, synchronized to produce animated shapes like a dancer's skirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple outlet pipe is used to deliver water, then the device structure is simple, but the water configuration cannot be varied or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet pipe is segmented into multiple functional zones: an annular gap region, a central disk region, and a hollow core region. Each segment controls a different aspect of water flow configuration, allowing independent adjustment of water shape parameters without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a movable disk that can be dynamically positioned within the outlet pipe to change the annular gap size. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows real-time variation of water configuration from narrow columns to wide cones, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system
2Manufacturing precision
If the disk is made thin with a small circumference, then the annular gap can be precisely controlled, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk is pre-formed with precise dimensions and a thin profile before assembly into the outlet pipe. This preliminary precision manufacturing allows the annular gap to be accurately controlled during operation without requiring ultra-precise assembly tolerances, as the precision is built into the component itself during fabrication
3Adaptability or versatility
If the disk is drawn down into the pipe to change water configuration, then the water shape can be varied, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk positioning mechanism utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic pressure differential to move the disk in and out of the outlet pipe. By controlling pressure on either side of the disk, the system achieves precise positional control without complex mechanical linkages, motors, or actuators, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatile water shape control
4Extent of automation
If programmable control is implemented for disk movement and water pressure, then dynamic water formations can be created, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions: the same programmable controller manages both disk positioning and water pressure regulation, while the pressure control mechanism simultaneously serves flow rate adjustment and disk actuation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each control function
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
Enables the creation of precise and dynamic water shapes with controlled movement and pressure, providing visually striking effects that can transition between configurations, enhancing the visual appeal of water displays.
Implementation Method 1
the configuration of the water may be varied to provide, for example, the appearance of a flower blooming. The water may also form a hollow, vertical tube of water
Implementation Method 2
The pressure (and hence flow) of the water fed into the device, may also be controlled with precision
Data Source
AI summary
A water delivery device is described which includes an outlet pipe through which water is ejected to provide a water display. A disk is positioned relative to the outlet pipe. The relative positions of the disk and outlet pipe are moved so that the disk is located within the outlet pipe or above it to alter the appearance of the water leaving the outlet pipe. As the relative position of the disk and outlet pipe varies, a sequence of water expressions is provided.