Patent Application
20190239475
Not applicable.
The present invention relates generally to fountains and, more particularly, relates to a simplified fountain that incorporates measures to impart at least generally laminar flow to a column of liquid flowing toward to water receiving surface so as to reduce splashing and noise. The invention additionally relates to a method of operating such a fountain.
Fountains are widely used for supplying liquid to a volume on a replenishable basis. The term “fountain” as used herein applies to any device that supplies water or another liquid to a defined volume on a continuous or intermittent basis while draining liquid from that volume. One such type of fountain is a “recirculating fountain”, which recirculates a portion or all of the drained liquid from the volume, typically using a pump. Many typical recirculating fountains include an uplift hose (which is broadly defined herein as one or more tubes, hoses, and/or internal passageways), a basin with a perimeter wall defining the volume, and a pump that lifts water in the basin to a certain height through the uplift hose. The pump is typically, but not necessarily, a submersible pump housed within the basin. The fountain may operate on a closed loop basis, or may be coupled to a source of liquid that replenishes liquid that is consumed, evaporated, or otherwise is depleted. Recirculating fountains have myriad domestic, commercial, and industrial uses, including as pet and other animal watering devices, human drinking fountains, habitats for aquatic life, and washers for produce, machine parts, etc. The recirculated liquid may be water, a detergent, a solvent, etc.
While various recirculating fountains have enjoyed considerable commercial success, improvements nonetheless are desirable. For instance, many traditional fountains, including recirculating fountains, generate significant splashing and noise when the liquid stream falls toward the surface of the liquid in the basin and/or when liquid impinges on that surface with sufficient force to cause splashing, which oftentimes produces a flowing sound at a high decibel.
The noise and splash generated during operation of fountains is undesirable in many applications. For instance, when the fountain is an animal watering device, splashes may cause water spots to form both within the fountain and outside of the fountain. Accumulation of significant water spots can result in the growth of bacteria, which is detrimental to a desired clean pet watering environment. Additionally, the noise caused by flowing water may disrupt a quiet home environment and cause distraction and irritation of the pet owner. Some pets also are reluctant or unwilling to drink from splashing water. In addition, many pet watering devices are continuously operational around the clock, such that sounds associated with the device may detrimentally effect rest of the pet and the pet owner at night.
What is needed, therefore, is an improved fountain capable of reducing the splashing and noise associated with operation of a fountain.
What is also needed is an improved fountain that imparts at least generally laminar flow to a column of liquid that is circulated about the fountain.
What is further needed is a method of reducing splashing and noise associated with operation of a fountain.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a fountain is provided that includes a basin, a faucet, and a pump. The faucet additionally incorporates measures for reducing the amount of noise and/or splashing that occurs during operation. For instance, the fountain may be configured to induce laminar flow in a column of liquid flowing into the basin from the fountain. The laminar flow of the water results in a smooth entry of the water into the basin while minimizing splash and noise.
According to one aspect of the invention, the fountain may be a recirculating fountain in which the faucet is mounted to the basin. The basin includes a bottom and at least one sidewall and is configured to receive the liquid from the faucet. The faucet may extend upwardly from the basin to an apex and thereafter curve downwardly to an exit end that forms a spout opening that is oriented so as to produce a vertical or parabolic flow toward the interior of the basin.
According to another aspect of the invention, an uplift hose may extend from the pump to the spout opening. As such, the uplift hose can similarly extend upwardly with the faucet to an apex, after which it curves downwardly to the spout opening. The liquid can be transported from the basin to the apex of the spout by the uplift hose using a pump, and then fall back into the basin.
In some embodiments, the pump may deliver liquid to the peak or apex of the faucet, after which the liquid falls from the apex out of the spout opening and into the basin primarily or exclusively by gravity to form a laminar or semi-laminar column. For instance, this can occur when the Reynolds number of the liquid leaving the spout opening of less than 4,000. More preferably, the Reynolds number of the liquid leaving the spout opening is less than 2,000.
Various features of the uplift hose and/or spout opening can be varied to achieve the desired minimal noise and splash. For instance, the vertical distance between the apex of the uplift hose and the basin may be between 10-30 centimeters. Alternatively, the diameter of the uplift hose can be varied, for instance between 5-15 millimeters. Further still, the angle at which the liquid leaves the spout opening can be varied. By way of example, liquid may exit the spout opening at an angle of 0+/−75 degrees relative to the vertical. Also, the liquid may exit the spout opening in a parabolic curve. Other parameters can be set and/or varied to change the flow of water from the faucet to the basin, including the power of the pump, flowrate through the pump, the lift of the pump, and the shape of the spout opening.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fountain may include a velocity reducing structure located in the interior of the fountain that reduces the velocity of the liquid before it exits the spout opening. The velocity reducing structure may also reduce turbulence in the liquid when it exits the spout opening. This velocity reducing structure may be located directly adjacent to the spout opening, or it can be spaced away from the spout opening. In one embodiment, the velocity reducing structure comprises a porous member that could be any a number of different materials capable of reducing velocity and turbulence while still allowing the liquid to pass therethrough. For example, the porous structure could be a foam member, a screen, a filter, and/or any other permeable material that allows liquid to pass therethrough at a suitable rate. The porous structure may also serve as a filter.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more filters may be installed about the fountain, for instance, to an inlet or outlet of the pump.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of using a recirculating fountain is provided. The method includes supplying a quantity of liquid to a basin of the fountain, delivering the quantity of liquid to a faucet located above the fountain, and recirculating the quantity of liquid from one portion of the basin and to another portion of the basin using a pump. The faucet is operated so as to minimize noise and splashing. For instance, it can direct liquid from the fountain in a state of semi-laminar flow into the basin. The liquid can be delivered to a pump inlet, after which it is pumped through an uplift hose towards a spout opening. Thereafter, the liquid is returned out of the spout opening and into the basin.
Additionally, the liquid may only be pumped to an apex of the uplift hose, after which it is returned to the basin primarily or exclusively by gravity.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after review of the specification, claims and drawings. The detailed description and examples enhance the understanding of the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
Before the present materials and methods are described, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, materials, and reagents described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims.
It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the termins “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
As mentioned above, many of the concepts described herein are usable with a variety of fountains having myriad applications. While the fountain described below is used to recirculate water, it should be noted that the word “water” could similarly be replaced with or used interchangeably with any of a variety of other liquids including oil, solvents, detergents, etc.
Referring now to the drawings, specific exemplary embodiments are illustrated in which the fountain comprises an animal watering fountain, waterer or “fountain” configured to supply drinking water to an animal such as a dog or a cat. Again, the concepts described herein are applicable to a variety of fountains other than animal watering fountains.
The “Reynolds number,” can be used to confirm whether laminar flow is occurring in a given system. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless value reflecting the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a liquid which is subjected to relative internal movement along a bounding surface such as the interior of a pipe. The Reynolds number can be calculated by the equation Re=v*d/Υ, where v is the velocity of the liquid with respect to the bounding surface, d is the distance through which the liquid travels along the bounding surface, and Υ is the kinematic viscosity of the liquid. In a system of given dimensions in which liquid (such as water) of a given velocity flows, the Reynolds number increases directly with velocity. Therefore, everything else being equal, the slower the liquid flow, the more laminar the flow. Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is less than 2,000, whereas semi-laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is between 2,000-4,000. Thus, liquid exiting the faucet 28 preferably has a Reynolds number of less than 4,000, more preferably less than 3,000, and most preferably 2,000 or less.
The fountain 20 also may be configured to induce a vortex or whirlpool of liquid in the area of liquid impingement with the water in the basin. This vortex is thought to absorb energy, which in turn helps to minimize the noise and splash associated with the fountain 20.
The fountain 20 includes a basin 22, a pump 24, an uplift hose 26, and a faucet 28. As shown in
The basin 22 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including injection-molded plastic, silicone, ceramics, glass, bamboo, wood, metal, or any other material. Although the illustrated basin 22 is of a one-piece construction, it could similarly have multiple pieces that are connected to one another. The basin 22 of
Next, the faucet 28 will be described. Although the illustrated embodiment shown in
Still looking to
The faucet 28 may be a downwardly-facing curvilinear faucet 28 that includes a base 48 and a front wall 50 and a rear wall 52 that extend upwardly from the base 48 to an exit end 54 with the spout opening 40 formed therein. At the base 48, the rear wall 52 is dimensioned to substantially conform to the dimensions of the first end 34 and the bottom 30 of the basin 22, such that the faucet 28 can securely be seated against the sidewall 32. Also, at the base 48, an intake opening 60 (
Additionally, both the front wall 50 and rear wall 52 constitute curved surfaces where the angle of curvature varies along the length of the faucet 28. In describing the front wall 50 and the rear wall 52, specific attention is drawn to
As discussed in more detail below, the dimensions and location of the faucet 28 and other aspects of the fountain 20, including the linear flow rate of water out of the opening 40, may be set, controlled, and/or selected to assure that water flows out of opening 40 in a generally laminar column that extends from the opening 40 to the surface of the water in the basin 22. Also as described in more detail below, these and possibly other characteristics are set, controlled, and/or selected to assure the falling water impinges on the surface of the water in the basin 22 with little or no splashing.
The faucet 28 is shown seated on the bottom 30 of the basin 22. For instance, the bottom 30 of the basin 22 may have ridges, cones, posts, or other indentations, as shown seats 68 that help to locate the faucet 28 in an appropriate location about the basin 22. The seats 68 may be configured to releasably, but securely engage the faucet 28 relative to the basin 22. Otherwise, the faucet 28 may also include suction cups (not shown) or other mounting devices that allow the faucet 28 to be secured to the basin 22.
The pump 24 may be located between the faucet 28 and the basin 22. As a result, the pump 24 is located in the reservoir 62. The pump 24 may be any pump used with recirculating fountains as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, a 5-volt, 1-watt direct current pump could be used. Using such a pump would provide the necessary flow of water to the faucet while having minimal noise associate therewith. Such a pump may pump water at the rate. Alternatively, a different pump, such as a 12-volt, 1-watt pump could also be used for higher flow rates. Of course, dramatically different flow rates could be selected for different applications.
Referring to
The fountain 20 may also be equipped with a filter 74 to filter out any contaminates that have been collected by the water. For instance, the filter 74 may be located adjacent to or installed against the inlet 70 of the pump 24. Such a filter 74 may be a modular filter capable of being mounted to the pump 24. An example of this type of filter is shown and described in U.S. Pat. App. Publ. No. 2015/0189862, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, a prefilter (not shown) may be provided and located upstream of the filter. The prefilter may be a silk screen or a straining screen which could easily be removed, cleaned, and returned. For instance, the prefilter could be located directly adjacent to the intake opening 60 of the pump 24, Alternatively, or in addition to the inlet filter 74, a filter 76 may be located at the pump outlet 72, which could potentially minimize the footprint of the fountain 20.
Furthermore, the fountain 20 may also include a velocity reducing structure 78 located within the faucet 28 that reduces the velocity of liquids flowing therethrough. The velocity reducing structure 78 could be located anywhere downstream of the apex, but improved results are observed when the velocity reducing structure is located directly adjacent to the spout opening 40 so that the water exits the spout with very little energy because the diameter of the water stream is wider at the velocity reducing structure than upstream of that structure. Surface tension of the stream flowing out of the spout opening 40 downstream of the velocity reducing structure causes the stream to narrow in diameter. The water also accelerates as it drops, gaining energy and beginning the rotation that reduces splashing upon impingement with the water in the basin.
In the illustrated embodiment, the velocity reducing structure comprises a porous member 78 located adjacent the spout opening 40. Porous member 78 may include virtually any material that allows liquid to move therethrough at a limited rate, including foam materials, screens, filters, and any other permeable materials as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The density of the porous member 78 can be selected based on the flow characteristics of a given faucet 28. For instance, faucet designs that, but for the porous member, would exhibit relatively heavy turbulence at the spout opening 40 can be supplied with a porous member having a greater density than a porous member supplied for faucet designs that otherwise would exhibit lower turbulence. Of course, some faucet designs can be structurally and operationally configured to achieve the desired flow characteristics without a porous member or any other velocity reducing structure in the faucet.
Flow of water through the uplift hose 26 and through the porous member 78 will now be described.
In many of the illustrated embodiments, the spout opening 40 is located at a lower elevation than the elevation a peak 80 of the uplift hose 26 between the peaks 64, 66 of the front wall 50 and rear wall 52. As such, once the water reaches the peak 80 of the uplift hose 26, it begins to fall downwardly towards the spout opening 40. In a preferred embodiment, once the liquid reaches the peak 80, it has minimal to no velocity. As a result, the liquid is then moved from the peak 80, to the spout opening 40 and into the basin 22. In other embodiments, due to the combination of the pumping force from the pump 24, as well as the gravitational forces acting on the water while it falls toward the spout opening 40, the water that approaches the spout opening 40 may have significant velocity and/or turbulent forces applying thereto. This can be further exasperated by other factors, including the amount of friction between the water and the uplift hose 26, the angle of the tangential flow, variations in diameter of the uplift hose 26, and any other factors. The porous member 78 can help to remedy these turbulent forces acting upon the water before it exits the spout opening 40 by stopping or slowing the water from dropping from the spout opening 40, which in turn can minimize or negate these turbulent forces from continuing once the water leaves the spout opening.
Like the faucet 28, the pump 24 is shown seated on the bottom 30 of the basin 22. Again, the bottom 30 of the basin 22 may have ridges, seats, or other indentations (not shown) that help to locate the pump 24 in the appropriate location. The seats may he configured to releasably, but securely engage the pump 24 relative to the basin 22. Otherwise, the pump 24 may be secured to the bottom of the basin 22 using suction cups (not shown) or other fastening devices. Further still, the pump 24 may remain in place merely due to its location between the basin 22 and the faucet 28. Additionally, the basin 22 may have a channel or chase 82 located beneath or adjacent to the reservoir 62 for a power cord (not shown) associated with the pump 24. This channel 82 could also help to locate and/or secure the pump 24 in place relative to the basin 22.
Referring to
In operation, water is initially poured in to the basin 22. A quantity of water will flow back through the intake opening 60 formed in the faucet 28. The quantity of water then collects in the reservoir 62 before entering the pump inlet 70. Once the water is sucked into the pump 24 and pumped out of the pump outlet 72 into the uplift hose 26, it is transported through the faucet 28. Once the water reaches the end of the uplift hose 26, it flows over the apex or peak 80 before falling at least in significant part due to gravity before exiting spout opening 40 in the form of a laminarly flowing column. Of course, the water would also flow through the foam member 78 if it is present in the uplift hose 26 before exiting the spout opening 40.
As mentioned above, the ability to achieve laminar or quasi-laminar flow out of the spout opening 40 is maximized for a given faucet physical construction if the head of the pump is selected such that the water flows primarily or exclusively by gravity upon reaching the apex 80 the uplift hose 26. Depending on the specific faucet design, laminar flow can also be achieved in part due to the flow of water through the foam member 78 before exiting the spout opening 40. This, in turn, helps ensure desirable flow characteristics to minimize the noise and splashing associated with delivery of water into the basin 22. Depending on the orientation of the opening 40 relative to the vertical, the water column exiting the spout opening 40 may extend vertically downwardly or in a parabolic curve.
A similar embodiment of the fountain 120 is shown in
Turning next to
Yet another embodiment of the fountain 320 is shown in
The major components of various embodiments of the fountain 20 have been described. Hereafter, a number of different variations of fountain features and characteristics now will be described, along with an explanation of the effect of those variations on flow characteristics and some possible reasons for those effects. These different flow characteristics may include, but are by no means limited to, fluid flow with minimal noise, fluid flow with minimal splash, laminar flow of the liquid, fluid flow resulting in a whirlpool or vortex in the fluid column and/or within the basin, and fluid flow that minimizes turbulence in the water.
In addition to the faucet design shown in the figures, the specific angle or slope of the faucet 28, and more importantly the exit end 54 of the faucet 28 can be set and/or varied. Due to these variations, the faucet 28 may dispense water out of the spout opening 40 at a variety of different angles to achieve different flow characteristics or to optimizing liquid flow. For instance, as shown, the spout opening 40 is directed at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to the vertical. Inclinations of 0 to 75 degrees, and more typically 5 to 45 degrees, relative to the vertical are certainly possible. In fact, it is conceivable that the spout opening could be directed at virtually any, including at or beyond the horizontal. However, laminar flow is more easily disrupted by the imposition of gravitational forces across the width of the stream as the inclination approaches or exceeds the horizontal. The angle of the spout opening 40 can also be selected depending on the slope of the sidewall 32 of the basin 22 opposite the spout opening 40. Similarly, the spout opening 40 may be angled toward one side of the basin 22 or the other side of the basin 22.
Where the spout opening 40 is inclined towards the left side of the basin 22, a vortex or whirlpool effect may occur in a clockwise direction. Conversely, where the spout opening 40 is angled toward the right side of the basin 22, a vortex or whirlpool effect may occur in a counter-clockwise direction. The Coriolis Effect also will tend to induce a vortex in the falling liquid stream. In both cases, the vortex is thought to absorb energy, reducing the likelihood of splash.
Another aspect that could be set, controlled, and/or varied to achieve different flow characteristics is the “drop distance” of the stream or the vertical distance between the apex of the spout and the surface of the water in the basin or, measured another way, between the apex of the spout and the bottom 30 of the basin 22. The greater this distance, the greater the velocity of the water when it impinges against the surface of the water contained within the basin 22, and the greater the impact force at impingement. It is believed that splashing can occur when the velocity and resultant impact force are high enough do impart turbulence on the impinging water. On the other hand, the velocity and resultant impact force ideally should be high enough to break the surface tension upon impingement. Assuming velocity is primarily or solely a function of gravity, these considerations call for maintaining the faucet apex within a particular height range above the surface of the water in the basin 22 and/or above the bottom of the basin (everything else being equal).
One theory as to the cause of splash upon impingement of water drops with a surface relates to “drop impact”, which can induce a “vortex ring” at the point of impact. The penetrating power of a vortex ring is thought to be a function of the stream's “Weber number,” which represents a dimensionless parameter that reflects the surface tension and kinetic energy of falling water. The Weber number can be determined using the formula W=ρDU2/Υ, where p is the density of the liquid, D is the diameter of the liquid column, U is the relative entry speed of the liquid steam into to liquid surface, and Υ is the surface tension coefficient of water in the basin 22. It has been found that, when the Weber number is lower than a critical value, the vortex ring produced by the impinging column will penetrate the water and will not cause splash. On the other hand, the vortex ring will not penetrate the water but, instead, will be pulled up and produce a powerful liquid jet, producing a splash, when Weber number is higher than the critical value. That value has been deter mined to be 100 and, more typically, about 80 in the present embodiments.
The Weber number of a column of water is directly dependent on the velocity of the falling water at the plane of impingement with the water in the basin. As mentioned above, liquid velocity at the point of impingement depends on the drop distance of the water stream or distance from the apex of the faucet to the surface of the water in the basin 22. Therefore, everything else being equal, the greater the vertical distance between the faucet apex and the basin 22, the greater the Weber number and the more likely that splashing will occur.
It has been found in the present embodiment that favorable results are achieved when the vertical distance between the faucet apex and the surface of the water in the basin 22 is 6-10 inches (180 to 250 mm) and more typically 8.0 inches (200 mm). Stated slightly differently, the vertical distance between the faucet apex and the bottom 30 of the basin 22 of the present embodiment typically is between 8-12 inches (200 to 300 mm), and more typically approximately 9-10 inches (250 mm).
Similarly, everything else being equal, the larger the diameter of liquid column, the greater the Weber number and the more likely that splashing will occur. Liquid column size is largely a function of the diameter of the spout opening 40. Hence, everything else being equal, the diameter of the opening 40 as determined by the inner diameter of the uplift hose 26 can be set to be sufficiently low to minimize or prevent splashing. As mentioned above, the inner diameter of the downstream end of the uplift hose 26 of the embodiments disclosed herein may be between 5-15 millimeters, and more typically approximately 9-10 millimeters.
Also, the volumetric flow rate of water through the pump 24, uplift hose 26, and out the spout opening 40 could be set, controlled, and/or varied. in addition to selecting the head of the pump as described above, the source pressure through the pump 24, uplift hose 26, and out the spout opening 40 could also potentially be set, controlled, and/or varied.
Further still, flow characteristics of the fountain 20 can be set and/or varied based on the characteristics of the uplift hose 26 that transports the water from the pump 24, through the faucet 28, and out the spout opening 40. For instance, in addition to selecting the diameter of the uplift hose 26 as described above, the length of the uplift hose 26 from the pump outlet 72 to the spout opening 40 can be selected to impact the flow by selecting head losses occurring due to fluid flow through the uplift hose. Further still, the material of the uplift hose 26, and more specifically the hardness and/or smoothness, of the uplift hose 26 can impact the flow characteristics.
Another way to achieve desired the flow characteristics through the fountain 20 is by incorporating an aerator (not shown) into the fountain. Although not required, an aerator helps to blend air with the water that is being pumped, which alter the shape of the water stream. The aerator may be located adjacent to the pump 24, inside the uplift hose 26, or inside the faucet 28. Because the resulting water mixture that exits the aerator has air blended therein, the amount of splash caused by the water as it falls in to the basin 22 is minimized. This is believed to be due to the fact that the air serves as a cushion to the water that is being dropped. In one embodiment, the aerator could be a plastic aerator. The plastic aerator could include a sponge or other similar material. A further benefit to using a sponge as an aerator is that the sponge can function as a secondary disposable filter.
Also, the characteristics of the basin 22 could be selected to achieve different flow patterns. For instance, the overall shape of the basin 22 could be different from the illustrated embodiments. Similarly, the height and the slopes of the sidewall 32 or sidewalls could also be different from what is shown. Further still, although the basin 22 shown in
While specific materials have not been discussed, it should be noted that the various components could be made of any suitable, durable materials, including but not limited to, plastic, stainless steel, other metals, glass, and the like.
Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration from the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention is not confined to the specific materials, methods, formulations, operating/assay conditions, etc., herein illustrated and described, but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
The present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/626,983, filed on Feb. 6, 2018 and entitled Low-Splash Fountain, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62626983 | Feb 2018 | US |
