Whirlpool Bathtub Purging System with Air-Driven Water Line Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whirlpool bathtubs are limited in providing a strong massage effect and introducing microbubbles, and they often leave residual water in the system, which can result in undesirable water quality when reused.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose water and air jet system that includes a pump and a blower, where the blower can increase air flow into the water stream, and a check valve that opens to purge residual water from the system by reversing air flow when the pump is off, allowing for variable speed settings and effervescence creation through a conduit with a bleed hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional pump system is used to circulate water through jets, then water circulation is achieved, but the massage effect is insufficient and air introduction is limited by pump speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water circulation function and air introduction function into a single integrated jet system. The jet nozzles are designed to receive both water from the pump and air from the blower, merging two separate functions into one unified output that creates enhanced effervescence and massage effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blower to provide pressurized air that is mixed with water in the jet system. This pneumatic element complements the hydraulic pump system, allowing air to be forced into the water stream to create microbubbles and enhance the effervescence effect without being limited by pump speed.
2Quantity of substance
If the blower is turned on to increase air flow for stronger massage effect, then effervescence is enhanced, but residual water cannot be purged from the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by allowing the blower to operate in two distinct modes: a first operating state for normal operation where air is introduced through the air line, and a second operating state for purging where air is redirected through the water line. This dynamic switching enables the same component to serve multiple functions based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the normal air flow path during purging operation. Instead of air flowing only through the air line to the jets, the blower redirects air through the water line in reverse, using air pressure to push residual water back through the system and out of the jets, thereby purging the lines.
3Force
If the pump speed is increased to provide more air force in the water stream, then massage effect is strengthened, but the system cannot produce microbubbles for soothing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the blower to control bubble characteristics. By adjusting blower speed and air flow rate, the system can produce different bubble sizes: higher air flow creates finer microbubbles for a soothing effect, while controlled air introduction maintains adequate force for massage. This parameter adjustment provides versatility in treating different user needs.
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
Enhances massage effectiveness, introduces a soothing bubble effect, and effectively purges residual water, ensuring improved water quality for subsequent uses.
Implementation Method 1
introducing at least a portion of the air from the blower into the water feed line... air that is introduced into the water line in the form of 'microbubbles' that cling to the bather's body and rise to the surface of the water slowly and gently
Implementation Method 2
providing a pump having an off condition and an on condition, the pump configured to circulate water to a basin through a water feed line
Implementation Method 3
a check valve that opens to purge residual water from the system by reversing air flow when the pump is off
Data Source
AI summary
A method of purging a whirlpool bathtub includes providing a pump having an off condition and an on condition, the pump configured to circulate water to a basin through a water feed line. The method further includes providing a blower having an off condition and an on condition, the blower configured to provide air to the basin through an air feed line. The method further includes turning the blower to the on condition and the pump to the off condition, and introducing at least a portion of the air from the blower into the water feed line.