Water Outlet Fitting Turbulence Steering for Flow Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water outlet fittings struggle to produce a uniform and constant water gush due to differences in flow velocities between central and side streams, leading to uneven distribution and instability in the water jet.

Innovation Solution

The water outlet fitting incorporates steering means in the side and main flows to generate turbulent conditions, equalizing flow velocities by converting kinetic energy into turbulence, ensuring a consistent and broad water surge across varying pressure ranges, and utilizing plastic components for the water guide to enhance stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the flow cross section increases from inlet to outlet, then the water outlet can deliver a broad water surge, but the flow velocities of side streams and central streams become unequal leading to uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow cross-sectional areaVSAvoidflow velocity distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces steering means specifically in the side area of the water flow, creating local flow modification. These steering means generate turbulent flow conditions only in the side streams, converting kinetic energy to turbulence and reducing side stream velocity locally, while leaving the central stream unaffected. This localized intervention equalizes the velocity distribution between side and central streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow regime parameter in the side streams by introducing turbulence through steering means. This parameter change (from laminar to turbulent flow) converts kinetic energy into turbulent fluctuations, effectively reducing the mean flow velocity in the side streams and equalizing it with the central stream velocity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If steering means are introduced to equalize flow velocities, then uniform water gush is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow velocity uniformityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering means are designed as pin-shaped or rod-like elements that can be integrated into the water guide structure. These simple geometric forms create turbulence through their presence in the flow path without requiring complex mechanisms, achieving velocity equalization through passive flow modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The steering means operate passively, utilizing the kinetic energy of the incoming water flow itself to generate turbulence and equalize velocities. No external power source or active control is needed - the water flow self-regulates its velocity distribution through the turbulence-generating elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves a uniform and constant water gush with equalized flow velocities, maintaining stability and consistency across a wide pressure range, and is particularly effective in fittings with increasing flow cross-sections, such as flood showers, ensuring reliable performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

steering means are provided for generating turbulent flow conditions in the side flow. The kinetic energy of the flowing water is partially converted into turbulence and thus the flow speed is reduced.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2893094B1Water outlet fitting with improved flow characteristics
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 GROHE AG
  • EP2893094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2893094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2893094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a water outlet fitting (1) for bath tubs, hand basins, hand showers or similar with a fitting body (2), which has at least one supply opening (6) and one outlet opening (7) for water and a water passage (8) located therebetween that is at least partially enclosed by a water guide (3) arranged in the fitting body (2). The water guide (3) has a water flow (10) with a central flow (15) in the centre and a side flow (16) in a side region (18) of the water guide (3) and deflecting means (13) are provided in the side region (18) to generate turbulent flow conditions in the side flow (16).