Integrated Command Center for Water Play Installations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water play installations require extensive space and infrastructure for user interfaces, system controllers, and water distribution manifolds, necessitating significant electrical wiring and piping, which can be impractical in many settings.
Innovation Solution
Integration of user interfaces, system controllers, and water distribution manifolds into a compact command center located beneath the water play area, with fluid connections to water dispensing elements, reducing the need for extensive wiring and piping and allowing for a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user interfaces, system controllers, and water distribution manifolds are installed in separate locations (building, underground enclosure, or aboveground enclosure), then the electronic systems are protected from water contact, but extensive electrical wiring and water piping are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the user interface, system controller, and water distribution manifold into a single integrated control assembly located in close proximity to the water play area. This merging eliminates the need for separate installations and reduces the extensive wiring and piping required in conventional systems, while still maintaining protection of electronic components through the enclosed assembly design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate installations of user interfaces, system controllers, and water distribution manifold are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but significant space is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly integrates multiple components (user interface, system controller, water distribution manifold) into a compact unified structure that occupies minimal space. The integration maintains functional independence of each component while dramatically reducing the total installation area compared to separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests the system controller and water distribution manifold within the enclosed structure of the control assembly, with the user interface accessible through the enclosure. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, minimizing the overall footprint.
3Ease of repair
If conventional separate installation configuration is used, then maintenance access to individual components is straightforward, but the overall system requires more infrastructure and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control assembly consolidates all control components into a single accessible unit, improving system efficiency by reducing infrastructure requirements. The enclosed design with accessible panels maintains ease of maintenance while the integration itself enhances productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate installations and reducing system complexity.
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
This configuration simplifies maintenance, reduces the overall space requirements, and minimizes the visibility of infrastructure, creating a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing water play installation.
Implementation Method 1
the system controller which controls electrically or hydraulically activated solenoid valves connected to a water distribution manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A participatory water play installation comprises a water play area provided with several water dispensing elements which can be user-activated via a user interface connected to a command center. The command center is preferably located underneath the water play area and further comprises an electronic system controller, electrically actuated solenoid valves and a water distribution manifold. The command center is in fluid communication with the water dispensing elements whereby upon stimulation of the user interface, the command center initiates a predetermined sequence of water dispensing patterns from the activated water dispensing elements, resulting in recreational enjoyment of the participants.