BATH SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates bathtubs and, more specifically, to techniques for heating and circulating bathing fluid.

2. Description of Related Art

Individuals often enjoy taking long baths for relaxation. Unfortunately, typical bathing environments suffer from various shortcomings. For example, the water in a typical bath may cool overtime, requiring the bather to add warm water several times of the course of a bath in an attempt to remain comfortable. This can interrupt the user's bathing experience and can, at times, cause discomfort to the user.

Some baths have been designed to include heating. For example, some jetted hot-tubs include systems to heat and circulate water at a high volume though jetted ports to provide turbulent water flow. The turbulent water flow is expected to provide a massage-like experience to the user. Some jetted hot-tubs allow a user to select a set-point temperature for the water via a user interface, such as keypad or dial. Unfortunately, these bathing environments may not provide a calm relaxing experience, as the user may have to continually add water, may be subject to noise and discomfort due to the turbulent high-volume flow of water, and may have to manually adjust the set-point temperature to achieve a desired water temperature.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a bathing environment that provides a calm and relaxing bathing experience.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of bath fluid heating and circulation systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described. In some embodiments, provided is a method of maintaining a bath fluid temperature. The method includes monitoring a bath fluid temperature to identify a first temperature of the fluid, identifying the first temperature, maintaining the bath fluid at the first fluid temperature, identifying a temperature change threshold, monitoring the bath fluid temperature to detect a change in the bath fluid temperature, detecting a change in the bath fluid temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the change in the bath fluid temperature exceeds the temperature change threshold, and maintaining, in response to detecting a change in the bath fluid temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature, the bath fluid at the second fluid temperature.

In the method the temperature change threshold may include an absolute difference in temperature and/or a rate of change in temperature. In some embodiments, the method may include automatically activating a heating/circulation system for maintaining the fluid temperature upon detecting a presence of the bathing fluid and/or the level of the fluid meeting or exceeding a minimum level threshold level.

In some embodiments, provided is a bath fluid heating system that includes an inlet, an outlet, a pump located in a fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet, a heater located in the fluid path extending between the inlet and the outlet. During use, a bathing fluid is to flow into the inlet, to flow through the heater, to flow through the pump and to flow out of the outlet. The fluid path is oriented at an angle to facilitate drainage of substantially all of the bathing fluid from the fluid path.

In the bath fluid heating system the inlet, outlet, the pump and the heater may be disposed in cascading arrangement with respect to one another, conduits may extend between each of the inlet, the pump, the heater, and/or the outlet, the conduit may be substantially level or angled downward, the heater may be angled downward such that an outlet of the heater is below an inlet of the heater, the outlet may be disposed below the inlet, the pump and the heater, and/or the outlet may include a drain port.

In some embodiments, provided is a fluid outlet system for a bathing fluid circulation system. The outlet system including a baffle having a body to be disposed adjacent an interior wall of bathtub wall, an inlet configured to receive water flow from a fluid circulation system, and one or more lateral ports configured to expel the water flow from the outlet in a direction substantially parallel to the interior wall of the bathtub.

In the fluid outlet system the baffle may include a plurality of lateral ports disposed about a circumference of the baffle body, the baffle may include a substantially solid central portion configured to direct fluid flow into the lateral ports, and/or the baffle may include a substantially solid central portion configured to block fluid from exiting substantially perpendicular to the to the interior wall of the bathtub.

In some embodiments, provided is a method that includes identifying a cavitation condition in a fluid path comprising a pump and, cycling, in response to identifying the cavitation condition, the pump into an inactive state for a given period of time.

In the method identifying a cavitation condition in a fluid path including a pump may include detecting a drop in power consumption by the pump, identifying a cavitation condition in a fluid path including a pump include detecting in increase in temperature along the fluid path that exceeds a threshold temperature change, and/or cycling the pump into an inactive state for a given period of time may include turning the pump off for a period of time sufficient to allow trapped air to escape via the fluid path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a bathing system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of a heating system coupled to a bathtub in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a rear-perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of a heating system coupled to a bathtub in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 3C illustrates an interior view of a heater in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left view of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 7 illustrates a right view of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right view including a cross-sectioned view of an outlet of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 9 illustrates a left view including a cross-sectioned view of an intake of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views of the outlet of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views of the intake of the heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of heating/circulating bathing fluid in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method of maintaining bathing fluid at a desired temperature in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method of identifying and addressing cavitation issues in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, note that the word “may” is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “include”, and derivations thereof, mean “including, but not limited to”. The term “coupled” means “directly or indirectly connected”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

As discussed in more detail below, certain embodiments of the present technique include a system and method for heating and circulating fluid (e.g., water) in a bathtub (e.g., a bathtub/bathing fluid). In some embodiments, heating and circulating a bathing fluid includes detecting various characteristics of a bathing fluid (e.g., presence of fluid, a change in bathing fluid temperature, etc.) and/or maintaining the bathing fluid at a given temperature (e.g., the temperature resulting from the change). In certain embodiments, heating and circulating a bathing fluid includes monitoring various aspects of bathing fluid flow (e.g., cavitation) and providing corrective actions to maintain proper flow of the bathing fluid. In some embodiments, heating and circulating bathing fluid employs a substantially non-turbulent flow rate that provides a calm and relaxing bathing environment to the user. In certain embodiments, a flow path includes an outlet baffle to direct bathing fluid in a path substantially tangential to a bathing surface proximate and/or adjacent to the outlet nozzle. In some embodiments, heating and circulating a bathing fluid includes draining substantially all of the water from a circulation system such that a subsequent use will not subject a user to a substantial amount of water remaining in the circulation system from a prior. In some embodiments, a circulation system includes a cascading arrangement of components to provide for a substantially angle fluid flow path that enable downward flow of the bathing fluid through the system during drainage. In certain embodiments, a drainage port (e.g., a hole in the lower portion of an outlet) may be provided at or near a low point of the circulation system to facilitate drainage of substantially all of the bathing fluid from the circulation system. Drainage of all or substantially all of the bathing fluid from the circulation system may help to reduce the amount of water remaining in the system between uses and, thus, may help to prevent subjecting the user/bather to old/remaining water during a future use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bathing system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. Bathing system 100 includes a heating system 102 coupled to a bathtub 104. Bathtub 104 may provide a bathing area 106 for holding bathing fluid (e.g., water) 108 for bathing. Bathing area 106 may be defined by interior surfaces 110 of walls 112 of bathtub 104. Heating system 102 may be coupled to an exterior surface 114 of walls 110 of bathtub 104.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of heating system 102 coupled to bathtub 104 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. Heating system 102 may include an intake 120, an outlet 122, and a heating/circulation unit (“unit”) 124. During use, bathing fluid 108 may flow from bathing area 106 into unit 124 though intake 122, and may return to bathing area 106 from unit 124 via outlet 122.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a rear-perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of a heating system 102 coupled to bathtub 104 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, a cover is removed from heating system 102 such that interior components of heating/circulation unit 124 are visible. Heating/circulation unit 124 may include a heating device (“heater”) 130 a fluid pump (“pump”) 132, a control unit (“control”) 134, and a power source 136. During use, relatively cooler bathing fluid 108a may be drawn into inlet 120 of heating system 102 via pump 132, bathing fluid 108a pass through and be heated by heater 130 to generate relatively warmer bathing fluid 108b that is returned via outlet 120.

Heater 130 may heat bathing fluid 108 as the fluid is circulated through the heater. Heater 130 may include an in-line fluid heater. Heater 130 may include an approximately 1500 watt heating element. Heater 130 may provide a change in temperature of about 8 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) as fluid flows through heater 130. A relatively low temperature change may help to prevent scalding the user with hot water as it exits outlet 122. Heater 130 may include a heater inlet 140 and a heater outlet 142. Outlet 142 may be located lower than inlet 140. Outlet 142 my be located at or near a lowest portion of a fluid path through heater 130 such that all or substantially all of bathing fluid 108 drains from heater 130 when circulation is stopped and/or bathing fluid drops below a level of outlet 142 and/or outlet 122. Heater 130 may include an inlet temperature sensor 144a and/or an outlet temperature sensor 144b. Temperature sensor 144a may detect a temperature of water entering heater 130. Temperature sensor 144b may detect a temperature of water exiting heater 130. Angle of orientation of heater 130 may provide for purging/venting/bypass of air trapped in an interior of heater 130. For example, air within heater may travel upward through heater 130 due to gravity acting on the bathing fluid, and the air may exit heater 130 via inlet 140. As described herein, an angle of the fluid path may enable air to exit system 102 via inlet 120. In some embodiments, heater 130 may include a fluid path that encourages the flow of fluid to remove trapped air from within heater 130. As depicted in FIG. 3C, heater 130 may include an upper fluid path 135a and a lower fluid path 135b in a chamber 137 about heating element 139. Upper fluid path 135a may be located at or near an uppermost region of chamber 137 such that as air accumulates the flow of fluid through fluid path 135a may draw the air or otherwise enable the air to flow out of heater 130 via outlet 142 along with the fluid. Lower fluid path 135b may be provided to enable all or substantially all of the bathing fluid to drain from chamber 137. During use, heater 130 may be oriented as depicted such that upper fluid path 135a is at or near an uppermost portion of chamber 137 such that air accumulating at or near the uppermost portion of chamber 137 is drawn into the fluid flown through upper path 135a.

Pump 132 may provide for the circulation of bathing fluid 108. Pump 132 may draw bathing fluid 108 through a pump inlet 156 and may expel fluid through pump outlet 158. In some embodiments, pump 132 may include a small long life-life (50,000 hour) quiet 24-26 dBA at 2 ft direct current (DC) electronically commutated spherical motor centrifugal pump. Pump 132 may contain only one moving part: a magnetically driven rotor/impeller spinning on a single ceramic bearing for quiet long life. Pump 132 may provides a relatively low bathing fluid flow rate of about 1.2 gallons per minute. A low flow rate may help to reduce a noise level during operation and/or may provide a gentle stream of bathing fluid flow. Pump 132 may be gravity primed. Pump 132 may have a low suction pressure such that pump 132 is gravity primed. In some embodiments, system 102 is arranged such that bathing fluid 108 is able to enter from outlet 122 as a level of bathing fluid 108 increases within bathtub 104, thereby enabling fluid to enter and prime pump 132 prior to bathing fluid reaching a level of intake 120. In some embodiments, an upward angle of the fluid path through system 102 (e.g., intake 120 about outlet 122 without any significant loops or curves for trapping air therein) enables purging of air through intake 120 as the level of bathing fluid 108 increases and bathing fluid 108 flows up though the fluid path via outlet 122. As discussed in more detail below system 100 may employ techniques for reducing and/or alleviating cavitation that may occur at pump 132. Cavitation may be caused by air bubbles that are inadvertently introduced into intake 120 (e.g., due to the water level being below intake 120 and/or splashing or sloshing of bathing fluid contained in bathtub 104).

Intake 120 may be located at a level above pump 132 (e.g., above intake 156). Pump 132 may be located at a level above heater 130 (e.g., above inlet 140). Heater 130 may be located above outlet 122. Pump 132 may be oriented substantially level or angled downward from inlet 156 to outlet 158, heater 130 may be oriented substantially level or angled downward from inlet 140 to outlet 142. Intake 120 may be coupled to inlet 156 of pump 132 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 160. Outlet 158 of pump 132 may be coupled to inlet 140 of heater 130 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 162. Outlet 142 of heater 130 may be coupled to outlet 122 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 164. Conduit 160 may be substantially level or angled downward from intake 120 to inlet 156 of pump 132. Conduit 162 may be substantially level or angled downward from outlet 158 of pump 132 to inlet 140 of heater 130. Conduit 164 may be substantially level or angled downward from outlet 142 of heater 130 to outlet 122. A level or downward angle of conduits 160, 162, and 164 may facilitate the flow and drainage of water from conduits.

A fluid path 170 of system 102 may be defined by a path through intake 120, conduit 160, pump 132, conduit 162, heater 130, conduit 164 and outlet 122. In some embodiments, all or substantially all of the portions of fluid path 170 may be substantially level (e.g., horizontal) or angled downward (e.g., about one degree, five degrees, ten degrees, twenty degrees, forty-five degrees, or more from level/horizontal). For example, as depicted in FIG. 3B, each of the components are oriented in a cascading fashion to encourage the flow of water from intake 120 to outlet 122. Angluation of the components may encourage all or substantially all of the water to drain from system 102 when a level of bathing fluid falls (e.g., drops below a level of outlet 122). Location of pump 132 at or near intake 120 (e.g., above other components) may enable pump to force water to drain through downstream portions of fluid path 170. As described in more detail below, outlet 122 may include a drainage port/hole located substantially at a lowest point or portion of outlet 122 to facilitate substantially all of bathing fluid 108 draining from system 102.

System 102 may include a bathing fluid presence/level sensor 133. Sensor 133 may, detect the presence of bathing fluid within fluid path 170 (e.g., within conduit 160). The presence of bathing fluid within conduit 160 may be indicative of the bathing fluid having a level equal to or greater than the level of conduit 160. In some embodiments, sensor 133 may be placed at or near a level corresponding to a depth of about four inches (10 cm) in bathing area 106 of bathtub 104. Thus, sensor 133 may be capable of sensing when bathing fluid reaches a level of about four inches (10 cm). In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided at various locations. For example a sensor 133 may be provided at or near conduit 164 and/or outlet 122 to sense when bathing fluid 108 is entering system 102.

Control 134 may provide for control of various aspects of operation of system 102. Control 134 may regulate operation of pump 132 to control the flow of bathing fluid 108 there through, to reduce or eliminate cavitation, and so forth. Control 134 may regulate operation of heater 130 to heat applied to bathing fluid, the purging of air, and so forth. Control 134 may monitor conditions (e.g., temperature) of bathing fluid 108 in bathtub 104 and/or flowing through system 102. Control 134 may include one or more sensing devices 134c for processing detected conditions (e.g., detecting a presence, level, temperature, and/or flow rate of bathing fluid 108 In some embodiments, control 134 may include a computer device configured to execute one or more software routines. For example, control module may include a processor device 134a and a memory 134b storing program instructions thereon that are executable by processor device 134a to cause certain operations of system 102 and 100. For example, program instructions may include those for detecting/regulating/maintaining bathing fluid at a temperature, for detecting and/or alleviating cavitation conditions, and so forth. Memory 134b may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising the program instructions stored thereon.

Power source 136 may provide power for operation of system 102. For example, power source may provide power for pump 132, heater 130, control 134, and so forth. Power source 136 may include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter. For example, power source 136 may convert an incoming AC power to a 12 volt DC power provided to components of system 102.

FIGS. 4-14 include additional illustrations of heating system 102. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIG. 6 illustrates a left view of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIG. 7 illustrates a right view of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIG. 8 illustrates a right view including a cross-sectioned view of outlet 122 of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIG. 9 illustrates a left view including a cross-sectioned view of an intake 120 of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views of outlet 122 of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views of inlet 120 of heating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.

Intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may include an outer ring 200 and an inner ring 202. Outer ring 200 may include an externally threaded potion 206 that is received by an internally threaded portion 208 of inner ring 202. Outer ring 200 may be disposed at an exterior surface of a bracket 209 of system 102 and be threaded into inner ring 202 disposed at an interior surface of bracket 209 to capture/sandwich a portion of bracket 209 within a recess there between.

Intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may include an opening 210 for the passage of bathing fluid 108 into system 102. Opening 210 may be in fluid communication with bathing area 106 and conduit 160. In some embodiments, opening 210 may be oriented to provide a substantially straight fluid path, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 13. Intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may include a nipple 220 that coupled to an adjacent conduit (e.g., conduit 160 or 164). Nipple 220 may include a first barbed end 220 for insertion into a conduit and substantially spherical portion 224 at an opposite end. Spherical portion 224 may be disposed in a complementary spherical recess 226 formed in an interior of outer ring 200 and/or inner ring 202 to form a ball-and-socket type joint. Nipple 220 may be rotated (e.g., from about zero to about ten degrees) with respect to rings 200 and/or 202, as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 14. Rotation of nipple with respect to rings 200 and/or 202 may facilitate an angle of a conduit (e.g., conduit 160 or 164), facilitate an angle of a bracket 109 relative to unit 124, conduit 160 and/or wall 112 of bathtub 104. For example as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 14 intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may be angled relative to unit 124 such that a distal baffle 230 is threaded into outer ring 200 to capture wall 112 in a recess 232 formed there between. Accordingly, intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may be coupled to an angle bathtub wall 112, while being angled relative to unit 124 such that unit 124 may remain substantially vertical. Unit 124 remaining substantially vertical may ensure that a level or downward angle of fluid path 170 is maintained such that low sports that may encourage the pooling of water within fluid path 170 are not present.

Threading of outer ring 200 into inner ring 202 may provide compression between spherical portion 224 and recess 226 to secure a position of rings 200 and 202 relative to nipple 220. In some embodiments, an o-ring seal 240 is provided between recess 226 of ring 200 and an external surface of spherical portion 224 to facilitate fluid flow through opening 210 without leakage. An o-ring seal 242 may be provided on an exterior of ring 200 to inhibit leakage of fluid about intake 120 and/or outlet 122.

Intake 120 and/or outlet 122 may include baffle 230a/230b. Baffle 230a/230b may include an externally threaded portion 250 that is received by an internally threaded portion 252 of outer ring 200. Baffle 230a/230b may be disposed at an interior surface 110 of wall 112 of bathtub 104 and be threaded into outer ring 200 disposed at an exterior surface 114 of wall 112 to capture/sandwich a portion of wall 112 within a recess 232 there between. Coupling of inlet 120 and/or outlet 122 to wall 112 may couple system 102 to bathtub 104. As depicted in FIG. 12, baffles 230a and/or 230b may be threaded in/out (see arrow 231) to various depths to account for varying thickness of walls 112 of bathtubs. For example, wall may have a thickness of about 0.05 inches (1.27 mm) to about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). Wall 112 may have a thickness of about 0.09 inches (2.286 mm), and recess 232 may have a corresponding width of about 0.09 inches (2.286 mm). In some embodiments, a distance between an inserted end of baffle 230a/230b and an adjacent surface of outer ring 202 may be minimized (e.g., maintained at less than about 0.035 inches (0.889 mm)) to reduce an area in which bathing fluid 108 may accumulate and, thus, not drain.

Outlet baffle 230b may diffuse the expulsion of bathing fluid 108 from system 102. Diffusing of the bathing fluid 108 may provide a substantially non-turbulent fluid flow that is not substantially perceivable to a bather. For example, the diffusing of bathing fluid flow may provide a tranquil/calm fluid flow, as opposed to a jet type of fluid flow that may be expelled from traditional nozzles.

In some embodiments, outlet baffle 230b expels bathing fluid 108 in a direction substantially parallel/tangential to an internal surface 110 of wall 112 of bathtub 104. For example, as depicted in FIG. 11, baffle 230b may expel bathing fluid 108 through lateral ports 260 the direction of arrows 262. Lateral ports 260 may be disposed about a lateral perimeter of baffle 230b. Baffle 230b may include a plurality of ports 206 spaced about the lateral exterior of baffle 230b. In some embodiments, baffles 230b may be evenly spaced about a circumference of baffle 230b. Equal spacing may facilitate an even distribution of bathing fluid 108 being expelled. Baffle 230b may include a substantially solid central portion 264. Central portion 264 may block some, a majority or all of bathing fluid 108 from flow in a substantially straight direction, thereby directing bathing fluid 108 in an approximately ninety degree bend from opening 210 into and through lateral ports 260. Thus, during use bathing fluid 108 may enter baffle 230b at a first direction (e.g., via opening 210), and may be redirected by baffle 230b (e.g., by central portion 264) to a second direction (e.g., though lateral ports 260) that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and/or substantially parallel and/or tangential to interior surface 110 of wall 114 of bathtub 104.

Intake baffle 230a may provide for directing bathing fluid 108 from bating area 106 into intake 120 of system 102. Intake baffle may include longitudinal ports 266 for directing intake of bathing fluid 108, as depicted by arrows 268. In some embodiments, intake baffle 230a may include a configuration that is the same or similar to outlet baffle 230b (e.g., including lateral ports). In some embodiments, outlet baffle 230b may include a configuration that is the same or similar to inlet baffle 230b (e.g., including vertical ports).

Outlet 122 may include a drainage port 280. Drainage port 280 may enable substantially all or all of bathing fluid 208 to be drained from outlet 122 and/or system 102. Drainage port 280 may be located at a lower portion of outlet 122 when assembled to bathtub 104. In some embodiments, outlet 122 may include a plurality of drainage ports disposed about an exterior outlet 122 such that at least one of the drainage ports is located at or near a lower portion of outlet when assembled. In some embodiments drainage port may include one of lateral ports 260 of baffle 230b.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of heating and circulating bathing fluid (e.g., water) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. In some embodiments, method 500 generally includes a heating circulation system in a standby state, monitoring a water level, and, when a sufficient water level is detected, automatically activating the heating/circulation system and, upon a sufficient amount of water no longer being detected, returning to a system standby mode. In some embodiments activating the heating/circulation system enables operational routines for identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature and/or identifying an addressing cavitation issues.

Method 500 may include entering a heating/circulation system standby state, as depicted at block 501. In some embodiments entering a heating/circulation system standby state includes heating/circulation system 102 entering a standby state. For example, a user may plug-in or otherwise provider power to system 102 to provide enough power to enable system 102 to operate in a standby state. In some embodiments, power is constantly provided such that system 102 remains in at least a standby state at all times. Maintaining such a standby state may enable automatic activation of system 102 (e.g., upon detecting a sufficient level of water in bathtub, as described herein) with little to no direct user interaction with system 102. For example, a user may simply fill the bathtub with water to active system 102, as described below.

Method 500 may include monitoring a water level, as depicted at block 504. Monitoring a water level may include polling a sensor (e.g., sensing device 134c) to detect a presence and/or level of water within a bathing area of a bathtub (e.g., bathing area 106 of bathtub 104). In some embodiments, a sufficient presence/level of water may be detected when the water (e.g., bathing fluid 108) reaches a depth of about four inches (10 cm). If a sufficient presence/level of water is not detected (as depicted at block 504), the system may continue to monitor the water presence/level in a standby state, as depicted. If a sufficient presence/level of water is detected (as depicted at block 504), the system may enter an active state, as depicted at block 506. For example, system 102 may exit the standby mode such that system is capable of providing desired bathing conditions for a user/bather. For example, in an active state, system 102 may circulate and heat water within bathtub 104 to maintain a calm and relaxing bathing environment.

Method 500 may include identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature, as depicted at block 508. In some embodiments, identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature may include automatically detecting a user's desired bathtub temperature (e.g., based on changes in bathing fluid temperature that exceed a threshold amount) and controlling system 102 to provide a sufficient level of heating and fluid circulation to maintain the desired water temperature. In some embodiments, identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature may include techniques described in more detail with regard to method 600 of FIG. 16.

Method 500 may include identifying and addressing cavitation issues, as depicted at block 510. In some embodiments, identifying and addressing cavitation issues may include detecting that cavitation of water is occurring within system 102 and/or controlling operation of pump 132 to address/correct/remedy the cavitation issue. In some embodiments, identifying and addressing cavitation issues may include techniques described in more detail with regard to method 700 of FIG. 17.

Method 500 may include monitoring a water level, as depicted at block 512. Monitoring a water level may include polling a sensor (e.g., sensing device 134c) to detect a presence and/or level of water within a bathing area of a bathtub (e.g., bathing area 106 of bathtub 104). In some embodiments, a sufficient presence/level of water may be detected when the water (e.g., bathing fluid 108) has a depth of at least about four inches (10 cm). If a sufficient presence/level of water is not detected (as depicted at block 514), the system may exit an active state and revert to a standby state, as depicted. If a sufficient presence/level of water is detected (as depicted at block 514), the system may remain in the active state, as depicted at block 506. For example, system 102 may maintain the active state such that system is capable of providing desired bathing conditions for a user/bather. For example, system 102 may continue circulate and heat water within bathtub 104 to maintain a calm and relaxing bathing environment (e.g., including identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature and/or identifying and addressing cavitation issues). Such monitoring during the active state may ensure that system 102 returns to a standby state upon a water level dropping inadvertently, upon a user draining the bathtub, or the like. Returning to an inactive state may reduce the likelihood of damage to components of system 102 (e.g., overheating of pump 132 and/or heater 130). Moreover, returning to an inactive state may enable system to shut-off with little to no user interaction. For example system 102 may return to a stand-by state automatically upon the user draining water from the bathtub.

In some embodiments, system 102 automatically turns off/inactive if inlet or outlet nozzles are obstructed or clogged (e.g., if water not detected or temperature of inlet or outlet of heater 130 increasing above a threshold (greater than 115° F.).

It will be appreciated that method 500 is an exemplary embodiment of a method employed in accordance with techniques described herein. Method 500 may be may be modified to facilitate variations of its implementations and uses. The order of method 500 may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Method 500 may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Some or all of method 500 may be implemented by processor 134a of controller 134. Although method 500 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method 600 of maintaining bathing fluid at a desired temperature in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. In some embodiments, method 600 generally include initially monitoring a water temperature to identify an initial desired temperature, checking that the water temperature is within an appropriate range for heating, detecting the desired temperature, maintaining the water at the desired temperature, continuing to monitor the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature and, upon detecting a change in the desired temperature, continuing the cycle of identifying a desired temperature, maintaining the desired temperature, monitoring the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, and so forth. In some embodiments method 600 may include identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature as described with respect to block 508 of method 500. For example, upon a user filling a bathtub with sufficient water to enter an active state (e.g., block 506), method 600 may be initiated or otherwise employed by system 102.

Method 600 may include monitoring a water temperature, as depicted at block 602. For example, upon entering active state and initiating method 600, system 102 may initially enter into a temperature monitoring mode to identify a desired temperate at which to maintain the water within the bathtub. In some embodiments, monitoring includes continually measuring the water temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor 134c) until the water temperature is within a temperature range appropriate or heating and/or has reached as substantially constant level.

In some embodiments, heating of the water may be provided only if the water temperature falls within a specified range. An exemplary range may include greater than or equal to 90° F. and less than or equal to 104° F. For example, the temperature of the water may be monitored (without being heated) until the detected temperature is greater than or equal to 90° F. and less than or equal to 104° F. (see block 603). Upon the detected temperature being greater than or equal to 90° F. and less than or equal to 104° F., a desired temperature may be detected and/or the water may be heated via circulation through heater 130.

A substantially constant level may be indicative of a user having reached a desired bathtub temperature by adding/mixing cold and hot water within bathtub 104. In some embodiments a substantially constant level and, thus, a desired temperature 606, may be detected when a rate of change of the temperature of the bathing fluid falls below a specified/threshold rate of change and/or the temperature has remained substantially constant for a given amount of time. For example, where a threshold rate of change is set to 1° F. (degrees Fahrenheit) per minute (e.g., thereby requiring that the temperature does not change more than 1° F. within a period of one-minute), and the water temperature has climbed from a temperature of about 80° F. to a current temperature of 100° F. within the first two minutes of monitoring at a rate of 10° F. per minute, and has subsequently been held at about 100° F. for one-minute or more (e.g., with a rate of change of monitored temperature below 1° F. per minute), the temperature of 100° F. may be identified as a desired temperature (see block 604). If a desired temperature is not detected, the temperature of the water may be continue to be monitored until a desired water temperature is reached or system 102 is deactivated. For example, if the rate of change of the temperature of the water continues to exceed the specified threshold rate of change of 1° F. per minute (e.g., fluctuates in excess of the specified rate of change of 1° F. per minute) system 102 may continue to monitor the water temperature until a desired water temperature is reached or system 102 is deactivated.

Method 600 may include maintaining the water at desired temperature 606, as depicted at block 608. For example, system 102 may operate to maintain water in bathtub 102 at the identified desired temperature of 100° F. Maintaining the water at the desired temperature 606 may include circulating the water though system 102 along flow path 170 via operation of pump 132 and/or operating heater 130 to heat the water as it is passed there through. In some embodiments, for example, pump 132 and heater 130 are activated to circulate water at a rate of about five gallons per minute. Water may be expelled through lateral ports 260 of baffle 230b such that water is gently disbursed into the bathing environment in a path substantially parallel to an interior surface 110 of the bathtub 104. Such disbursement may provide fluid flow that is substantially less intrusive to a bather (e.g., less turbulent and/or less noisy) than fluid flow generated by a jet or similar style of nozzle. In some embodiments, the temperature of the water is continuously monitored. Fluid circulation rates and/or heating intensity may be adjusted to maintain the water at desired temperature 606. In some embodiments, heating of the water is provided in accordance with a control algorithm. For example, more heat may be applied the greater the variance of the water temperature from the desired temperature.

Method 600 may include monitoring the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, as depicted at block 610. For example, upon detecting and/or maintaining the water at desired temperature 606, system 102 may continue to monitor the temperature of the water to detect a change in the desired temperature. In some embodiments, monitoring includes continually measuring the water temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor 134c) to detect a change in the water temperature that exceeds temperature change threshold. In some embodiments, if a change temperature of the water exceeds a specified temperature change threshold, a change in the desired temperature may be detected. Upon detecting a change in the desired temperature, the water temperature may be monitored to identify the “new” desired temperature, ad depicted at block 612 and 602. For example, upon detecting a change in the desired temperature, system 102 may again monitor the water temperature to detect the “new” desired temperature. For example, system 102 may continue to measure the water temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor 134c) until the water temperature has reached as substantially constant level, as described above with respect to block 602. Thus, upon detecting a change in the desired temperature, system 102 may continue the cycle of identifying a desired temperature, maintaining the desired temperature, monitoring the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, and so forth.

If the a change in the desired temperature is not detected (e.g., if the temperature change does not exceed at temperature change threshold), system 102 may continue to maintain the water at the current desired temperature and continue to monitor the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, as depicted at block 612.

In some embodiments, the temperature change threshold may include an absolute difference in temperature. For example, if the temperature change threshold is set at 1° F., and the temperature of the water fluctuates (e.g., increase or decreases) by about 0.4° F. from the desired temperature (e.g., the temperature fluctuates between about 99.6° F. and 100.4° F. when the desired temperature is 100° F.), no change in the desired temperature may be detected, and, thus, the current desired temperature (e.g., 100° F.) may be maintained by system 102. If, however, the temperature change threshold is set at 1° F. degrees, and the temperature of the water fluid fluctuates by more than 1° F. from the set-point temperature (e.g., below 99° F. or above 101° F. when the desired temperature is 100° F.), a change in temperature may be detected, and system 102 may continue the cycle of identifying a desired temperature, maintaining the desired temperature, monitoring the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, and so forth.

In some embodiments, the temperature change threshold may include a rate of change of temperature. For example, if the temperature change threshold is set at 1° F. per minute, and the temperature of the water changes (e.g., increase or decreases) by less than about 0.4° F. per minute (e.g., the temperature changed from about 100° F. to 100.4° F. within one minute), no change in the desired temperature may be detected, and, thus, the current desired temperature (e.g., 100° F.) may be maintained by system 102. If, however, the temperature change threshold is set at 1° F. per minute, and the temperature of the water fluid changes by more than 1° F. degrees in a period of one minute, (e.g., the temperature changed from about 100° F. to 100.6° F. within one minute), a change in temperature may be detected, and system 102 may continue the cycle of identifying a desired temperature, maintaining the desired temperature, monitoring the water temperature to identify a change in the desired temperature, and so forth.

In some embodiments, a change in the water temperature may be attributed to a user/bather adding and/or removing water from a bathtub. Thus, to set a new desired temperature, a user/bather may simply add/drain water from a bathtub. For example, where a user would like the water to be warmer, the user may simply add enough water to the bathtub to increase the temperature by a sufficient amount to exceed the specified threshold. System 102 may automatically detect this change, thereby identifying the user's desire to change the temperature of the bath water, and may automatically maintain the bath water at the “new” desired temperature. Notably, the user may be able to set the desired temperature without having to provide any input to a user interface (e.g., keypad, dial or knob).

In some embodiments, system 102 may no longer maintain/monitor the water at the desired temperature if the water level falls below a threshold level, the system 102 is turned off/disabled, and/or the system 102 is set to a standby state. For example, system 102 may returns to a standby state upon a water level dropping inadvertently, upon a user draining the bathtub, or the like, as discussed with regard to block 514 of method 500.

It will be appreciated that method 600 is an exemplary embodiment of a method employed in accordance with techniques described herein. Method 600 may be may be modified to facilitate variations of its implementations and uses. The order of method 600 may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Method 600 may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Some or all of method 600 may be implemented by processor 134a of controller 134. Although method 600 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method 700 of identifying and addressing cavitation issues in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. In some embodiments, method 700 generally includes identifying cavitation of water in fluid path 170 and correcting the cavitation issue. In some embodiments method 700 may include identifying and addressing cavitation issues as described with respect to block 510 of method 500. For example, upon a user filling a bathtub with sufficient water to enter an active state (e.g., block 506), method 700 may be initiated or otherwise employed by system 102.

Method 700 may include detecting cavitation of water in a fluid path, as depicted at block 702. For example cavitation may be detected at pump 132 or elsewhere within path 170. In some embodiments, cavitation is automatically detected by measuring pump power consumption and identifying a significant drop in power consumption indicative of a cavitation condition. In some embodiments, cavitation is automatically detected by monitoring water temperature. Due to cavitation decreasing water flow though fluid path 170, cavitation may be identified where a temperature at an outlet of heater 130 exceeds specified temperature threshold (e.g., absolute temperature or rate of change), and/or a difference in the water temperature inlet 120 and outlet 122 exceeding a specified temperature threshold. In some embodiments, cavitation is automatically detected based on increased vibration or noise/sound emitted from pump 132.

Method 700 may include correcting cavitation, as depicted at block 704. In some embodiments, when cavitation is detected system 102 (e.g., processor 134a) automatically turns off pump 132 for a given time interval (e.g., about 3-10 seconds). This may allow trapped air in pump 132 or other portions of system 102 (e.g., path 170) to flow up and out of intake 120 via the pressure of gravity such that the air is replaced by water. Pump 132 may, then turned back on with the cavitation being corrected. If cavitation is still present then the cavitation identification process will repeat and pump 132 will again be turned off for another time interval. The subsequent time interval may be longer than the preceding time interval. This process may be continued until the cavitation is corrected or the water present sensor indicates there is not water in the system which may be the case when the user has drained bathtub 104.

It will be appreciated that method 700 is an exemplary embodiment of a method employed in accordance with techniques described herein. Method 700 may be may be modified to facilitate variations of its implementations and uses. The order of method 700 may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Method 700 may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Some or all of method 700 may be implemented by processor 134a of controller 134. Although method 700 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed or omitted, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Furthermore, note that the word “may” is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “include”, and derivations thereof, mean “including, but not limited to”. As used throughout this application, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a sensor” includes a combination of two or more sensors. The term “coupled” means “directly or indirectly connected”.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference. The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such text and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any such conflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is specifically not incorporated by reference in this patent.

BATH SYSTEM AND METHOD

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