Whirlpool Nozzle Electromagnetic Valve Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing whirlpool nozzles are prone to pathogen accumulation due to moisture and often leak, leading to a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, and their design can be intrusive when lying down.

Innovation Solution

A whirlpool jet comprising a valve body, core extension, jet screen, seal, compression spring, and electromagnetic actuator, where the core extension has a recess for the seal and a through-hole for fluid flow, with a compact design that prevents water ingress when not in use, utilizing a compression spring and electromagnetic actuator to control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cover or distributor cover protrudes over the surface of the tub, then the nozzle structure is accessible and maintainable, but it acts as a nuisance to the user when lying down and compromises hygiene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidhygiene and user comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is integrated directly into the nozzle housing structure, with the valve mechanism nested within the housing walls rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach allows maintenance access while eliminating the protruding cover that causes hygiene issues and user discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body and nozzle housing are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate protruding covers. The valve mechanism is combined with the housing walls, creating a compact unit that maintains accessibility while improving hygiene and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the nozzle is designed to be leak-proof in closed state, then hygiene is improved, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen accumulationVSAvoidnozzle design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body and nozzle housing are merged into a single integrated structure, where the valve mechanism is combined with the housing walls. This merging creates a leak-proof design that prevents pathogen accumulation while avoiding the need for additional separate sealing components that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve is pre-configured in a closed, leak-proof position when not in use, with the valve body integrated into the housing structure. This preliminary positioning ensures hygiene protection is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for additional complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a mobile valve with spring and electromagnet is used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but moisture accumulates inside the valve creating a breeding ground for pathogens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidpathogen breeding ground
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is merged with the nozzle housing structure, creating an integrated system where moisture does not accumulate in separate valve chambers. The combined structure allows fluid flow control while eliminating the moisture-trapping environments that create pathogen breeding grounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism is extracted from traditional separate valve bodies and integrated directly into the nozzle housing walls. This extraction eliminates the moisture-accumulating valve chambers while preserving fluid flow control functionality, thereby removing the pathogen breeding ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 ensures a hygienic, leak-proof, and non-intrusive nozzle that allows gaseous fluid flow into a liquid-filled container, maintaining fluid tightness in a closed state and facilitating easy cleaning, thereby preventing pathogen growth and enhancing user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic actuator, the core being positioned within at least one coil of the electromagnetic actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a compression spring, with the core extension having a front-side recess into which the seal is introduced, wherein the compression spring acts on the seal via the core extension against the front side of the whirlpool nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3632398B1Whirlpool nozzle
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 KANTOR GEORG
  • EP3632398B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a whirlpool jet comprising a valve body (1), a core extension (2), a jet screen (3), a seal (4), a compression spring (5), a core (6), and an electromagnetic actuating device (7), wherein the core (6) is positioned within at least one coil of the electromagnetic actuating device (7), wherein the core (6) and the core extension (2) form an integral or composite actuating element (2, 6), wherein the core extension (2) is movably mounted within the valve body (1), wherein the jet screen is inserted into the end face of the valve body (1), preferably screwed in, wherein the jet screen (3) forms a region of the end face of the whirlpool jet, wherein the valve body (1) is mechanically connected to the electromagnetic actuating device (7), and wherein the core extension (2) has an end face recess into which the seal (4) can be inserted.wherein the compression spring (5) presses the seal (4) via the core extension (2) against the water pressure acting on the front face of the whirlpool nozzle onto the nozzle screen (3).