Waterway And Stream Straightener for Uniform Faucet Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water delivery devices, such as faucets, struggle to create a desired flow pattern and achieve uniform water distribution and pressure, leading to uncontrolled water flow.

Innovation Solution

A waterway assembly with a first waterway extending longitudinally and a second waterway in an elongated oval shape, coupled with a stream straightener featuring parallel ribs and openings, to direct and separate water flow, creating a uniform distribution and controlled pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional water delivery device is used, then the structure is simple, but the water flow distribution is non-uniform and pressure is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow distribution uniformityVSAvoidwaterway structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water delivery device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first waterway for initial water delivery, a second waterway in an elongated oval shape for uniform distribution, and a stream straightener with parallel ribs for flow pattern control. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, achieving uniform water distribution and controlled flow patterns while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second waterway configured in an elongated oval or ellipse shape, adding a dimensional aspect to the water delivery system. This oval configuration, combined with the stream straightener's parallel ribs extending horizontally, creates a multi-dimensional flow control structure that enhances water distribution uniformity and pressure consistency throughout the delivery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If a conventional water delivery device is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the flow pattern is uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow pattern controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stream straightener is designed as a separate, removable component with parallel ribs that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the faucet body. This segmentation allows for specialized flow control features to be added without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process, as each component can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stream straightener is designed to be received within the faucet body, with the O-ring providing a seal between the stream straightener and the faucet body. This nested configuration allows the flow control features to be integrated into the existing faucet structure without requiring complete redesign of the entire device, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving controlled flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If a conventional water delivery device is used, then the structure is simple, but water flow is uncontrolled and distribution is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution uniformityVSAvoidwaterway configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water delivery system is segmented into a first waterway for initial water delivery and a second waterway in an elongated oval shape for uniform distribution. This segmentation allows each waterway to be optimized for its specific function, with the oval shape and parallel ribs working together to achieve uniform water distribution across the delivery area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second waterway is configured in an elongated oval or ellipse shape, introducing a dimensional variation to the traditional linear waterway design. This oval configuration, combined with the horizontal parallel ribs of the stream straightener, creates a multi-dimensional flow distribution system that achieves uniform water delivery across the entire output area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 more uniform water distribution and pressure, with a controlled flow pattern, such as a linear grid pattern, enhancing user control and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

The stream straightener includes one or more ribs extending horizontally within and configured to separate the flow of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 2

The stream straightener includes an O-ring peripherally provided relative to a body of the stream straightener. The O-ring is configured to seal an area between the stream straightener and a faucet body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12553455B2Waterway and flow straightener for a water delivery device
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 KOHLER CO(US)
  • US12553455B2 patent drawing
  • US12553455B2 patent drawing
  • US12553455B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A waterway for a fluid delivery device includes a body, an inlet passage, a continuous header passage, a connector passage, a chamber, and a plurality of ports. The inlet passage is formed in the body and configured to receive a supply of water. The continuous header passage is formed in the body as a loop with elongated side passages. The connector passage is formed in the body and fluidly interconnects the inlet passage and the elongated side passages. The chamber is formed in the body in spaced relation to the elongated side passages. The plurality of ports is formed in the body and extends between the elongated side passages and the chamber.