US20110283448A1 - Bath system and method - Google Patents
Bath system and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20110283448A1 US20110283448A1 US13/111,460 US201113111460A US2011283448A1 US 20110283448 A1 US20110283448 A1 US 20110283448A1 US 201113111460 A US201113111460 A US 201113111460A US 2011283448 A1 US2011283448 A1 US 2011283448A1
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- 238000003287 bathing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 108
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
- E03C1/044—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths having a heating or cooling apparatus in the supply line
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/54—Water heaters for bathtubs or pools; Water heaters for reheating the water in bathtubs or pools
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/184—Preventing harm to users from exposure to heated water, e.g. scalding
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/215—Temperature of the water before heating
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/219—Temperature of the water after heating
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/246—Water level
- F24H15/248—Water level of water storage tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/335—Control of pumps, e.g. on-off control
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/355—Control of heat-generating means in heaters
- F24H15/37—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of electric heaters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
- F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
- F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/6068—Outlet from the bath
Definitions
- the present invention relates bathtubs and, more specifically, to techniques for heating and circulating bathing fluid.
- Some baths have been designed to include heating.
- 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.
- a user interface such as keypad or dial.
- 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.
- a method of maintaining a bath fluid temperature 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.
- the temperature change threshold may include an absolute difference in temperature and/or a rate of change in temperature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- heating and circulating bathing fluid employs a substantially non-turbulent flow rate that provides a calm and relaxing bathing environment to the user.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a drainage port e.g., a hole in the lower portion of an outlet
- a drainage port 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- relatively cooler bathing fluid 108 a may be drawn into inlet 120 of heating system 102 via pump 132 , bathing fluid 108 a pass through and be heated by heater 130 to generate relatively warmer bathing fluid 108 b 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 144 a and/or an outlet temperature sensor 144 b .
- Temperature sensor 144 a may detect a temperature of water entering heater 130 .
- Temperature sensor 144 b 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 .
- 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 135 a and a lower fluid path 135 b in a chamber 137 about heating element 139 .
- Upper fluid path 135 a may be located at or near an uppermost region of chamber 137 such that as air accumulates the flow of fluid through fluid path 135 a 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 135 b may be provided to enable all or substantially all of the bathing fluid to drain from chamber 137 .
- heater 130 may be oriented as depicted such that upper fluid path 135 a 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 135 a.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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
- 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 .
- conduit e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube
- 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 .
- 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).
- 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 may enable pump to force water to drain through downstream portions of fluid path 170 .
- 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 .
- 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).
- 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 134 c for processing detected conditions (e.g., detecting a presence, level, temperature, and/or flow rate of bathing fluid 108
- control 134 may include a computer device configured to execute one or more software routines.
- control module may include a processor device 134 a and a memory 134 b storing program instructions thereon that are executable by processor device 134 a to cause certain operations of system 102 and 100 .
- 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 134 b 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 .
- 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.
- AC alternating current
- DC direct current
- 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. 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
- 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.
- a conduit e.g., conduit 160 or 164
- 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 .
- 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 230 a / 230 b .
- Baffle 230 a / 230 b may include an externally threaded portion 250 that is received by an internally threaded portion 252 of outer ring 200 .
- Baffle 230 a / 230 b 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.
- baffles 230 a and/or 230 b may be threaded in/out (see arrow 231 ) to various depths to account for varying thickness of walls 112 of bathtubs.
- 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).
- a distance between an inserted end of baffle 230 a / 230 b 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 230 b 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.
- 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.
- outlet baffle 230 b expels bathing fluid 108 in a direction substantially parallel/tangential to an internal surface 110 of wall 112 of bathtub 104 .
- baffle 230 b 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 230 b .
- Baffle 230 b may include a plurality of ports 206 spaced about the lateral exterior of baffle 230 b .
- baffles 230 b may be evenly spaced about a circumference of baffle 230 b . Equal spacing may facilitate an even distribution of bathing fluid 108 being expelled.
- Baffle 230 b 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 .
- bathing fluid 108 may enter baffle 230 b at a first direction (e.g., via opening 210 ), and may be redirected by baffle 230 b (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 230 a 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 .
- intake baffle 230 a may include a configuration that is the same or similar to outlet baffle 230 b (e.g., including lateral ports).
- outlet baffle 230 b may include a configuration that is the same or similar to inlet baffle 230 b (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 .
- 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.
- drainage port may include one of lateral ports 260 of baffle 230 b.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- entering a heating/circulation system standby state includes heating/circulation system 102 entering a standby state.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 134 c ) to detect a presence and/or level of water within a bathing area of a bathtub (e.g., bathing area 106 of bathtub 104 ).
- 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.
- system 102 may enter an active state, as depicted at block 506 .
- system 102 may exit the standby mode such that system is capable of providing desired bathing conditions for a user/bather.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 134 c ) to detect a presence and/or level of water within a bathing area of a bathtub (e.g., bathing area 106 of bathtub 104 ).
- 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.
- system 102 may remain in the active state, as depicted at block 506 .
- system 102 may maintain the active state such that system is capable of providing desired bathing conditions for a user/bather.
- 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).
- a calm and relaxing bathing environment e.g., including identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature and/or identifying and addressing cavitation issues.
- 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.
- 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.).
- 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 134 a 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- system 102 may initially enter into a temperature monitoring mode to identify a desired temperate at which to maintain the water within the bathtub.
- monitoring includes continually measuring the water temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor 134 c ) until the water temperature is within a temperature range appropriate or heating and/or has reached as substantially constant level.
- 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.
- 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 ).
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 230 b 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- system 102 may continue to monitor the temperature of the water to detect a change in the desired temperature.
- monitoring includes continually measuring the water temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor 134 c ) to detect a change in the water temperature that exceeds temperature change threshold.
- a change temperature of the water exceeds a specified temperature change threshold, a change in the desired temperature may be detected.
- the water temperature may be monitored to identify the “new” desired temperature, ad depicted at block 612 and 602 .
- 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 134 c ) 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- the temperature change threshold is set at
- 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.
- the temperature change threshold is set at 1° F. per
- a change in the water temperature may be attributed to a user/bather adding and/or removing water from a bathtub.
- a user/bather may simply add/drain water from a bathtub.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 .
- 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 134 a 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.
- method 700 generally includes identifying cavitation of water in fluid path 170 and correcting the cavitation issue.
- 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 .
- cavitation may be detected at pump 132 or elsewhere within path 170 .
- cavitation is automatically detected by measuring pump power consumption and identifying a significant drop in power consumption indicative of a cavitation condition.
- 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 .
- specified temperature threshold e.g., absolute temperature or rate of change
- Method 700 may include correcting cavitation, as depicted at block 704 .
- system 102 e.g., processor 134 a
- system 102 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 .
- 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 134 a of controller 134 . Although method 700 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used.
Abstract
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.
Description
- This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/346,357, entitled “Improved Bathtub Heating Device”, filed May 19, 2010, by Michael Lee Kenoyer et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth herein.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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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”.
- 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.
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FIG. 1 illustrates abathing system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.Bathing system 100 includes aheating system 102 coupled to abathtub 104.Bathtub 104 may provide abathing area 106 for holding bathing fluid (e.g., water) 108 for bathing. Bathingarea 106 may be defined byinterior surfaces 110 ofwalls 112 ofbathtub 104.Heating system 102 may be coupled to anexterior surface 114 ofwalls 110 ofbathtub 104. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views ofheating system 102 coupled tobathtub 104 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.Heating system 102 may include anintake 120, anoutlet 122, and a heating/circulation unit (“unit”) 124. During use, bathingfluid 108 may flow from bathingarea 106 intounit 124 thoughintake 122, and may return tobathing area 106 fromunit 124 viaoutlet 122. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a rear-perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of aheating system 102 coupled tobathtub 104 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, a cover is removed fromheating 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 apower source 136. During use, relativelycooler bathing fluid 108 a may be drawn intoinlet 120 ofheating system 102 viapump 132, bathing fluid 108 a pass through and be heated byheater 130 to generate relativelywarmer bathing fluid 108 b that is returned viaoutlet 120. -
Heater 130 may heat bathingfluid 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 throughheater 130. A relatively low temperature change may help to prevent scalding the user with hot water as it exitsoutlet 122.Heater 130 may include aheater inlet 140 and aheater outlet 142.Outlet 142 may be located lower thaninlet 140.Outlet 142 my be located at or near a lowest portion of a fluid path throughheater 130 such that all or substantially all of bathing fluid 108 drains fromheater 130 when circulation is stopped and/or bathing fluid drops below a level ofoutlet 142 and/oroutlet 122.Heater 130 may include aninlet temperature sensor 144 a and/or anoutlet temperature sensor 144 b.Temperature sensor 144 a may detect a temperature ofwater entering heater 130.Temperature sensor 144 b may detect a temperature ofwater exiting heater 130. Angle of orientation ofheater 130 may provide for purging/venting/bypass of air trapped in an interior ofheater 130. For example, air within heater may travel upward throughheater 130 due to gravity acting on the bathing fluid, and the air may exitheater 130 viainlet 140. As described herein, an angle of the fluid path may enable air to exitsystem 102 viainlet 120. In some embodiments,heater 130 may include a fluid path that encourages the flow of fluid to remove trapped air from withinheater 130. As depicted inFIG. 3C ,heater 130 may include an upperfluid path 135 a and alower fluid path 135 b in achamber 137 aboutheating element 139. Upperfluid path 135 a may be located at or near an uppermost region ofchamber 137 such that as air accumulates the flow of fluid throughfluid path 135 a may draw the air or otherwise enable the air to flow out ofheater 130 viaoutlet 142 along with the fluid. Lowerfluid path 135 b may be provided to enable all or substantially all of the bathing fluid to drain fromchamber 137. During use,heater 130 may be oriented as depicted such that upperfluid path 135 a is at or near an uppermost portion ofchamber 137 such that air accumulating at or near the uppermost portion ofchamber 137 is drawn into the fluid flown throughupper path 135 a. - Pump 132 may provide for the circulation of bathing
fluid 108. Pump 132 may draw bathing fluid 108 through apump inlet 156 and may expel fluid throughpump 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 thatpump 132 is gravity primed. In some embodiments,system 102 is arranged such thatbathing fluid 108 is able to enter fromoutlet 122 as a level ofbathing fluid 108 increases withinbathtub 104, thereby enabling fluid to enter andprime pump 132 prior to bathing fluid reaching a level ofintake 120. In some embodiments, an upward angle of the fluid path through system 102 (e.g.,intake 120 aboutoutlet 122 without any significant loops or curves for trapping air therein) enables purging of air throughintake 120 as the level ofbathing fluid 108 increases andbathing fluid 108 flows up though the fluid path viaoutlet 122. As discussed in more detail belowsystem 100 may employ techniques for reducing and/or alleviating cavitation that may occur atpump 132. Cavitation may be caused by air bubbles that are inadvertently introduced into intake 120 (e.g., due to the water level being belowintake 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 aboveoutlet 122. Pump 132 may be oriented substantially level or angled downward frominlet 156 tooutlet 158,heater 130 may be oriented substantially level or angled downward frominlet 140 tooutlet 142.Intake 120 may be coupled toinlet 156 ofpump 132 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 160.Outlet 158 ofpump 132 may be coupled toinlet 140 ofheater 130 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 162.Outlet 142 ofheater 130 may be coupled tooutlet 122 via a conduit (e.g., flexible or rigid hose/tube) 164.Conduit 160 may be substantially level or angled downward fromintake 120 toinlet 156 ofpump 132.Conduit 162 may be substantially level or angled downward fromoutlet 158 ofpump 132 toinlet 140 ofheater 130.Conduit 164 may be substantially level or angled downward fromoutlet 142 ofheater 130 tooutlet 122. A level or downward angle ofconduits - A
fluid path 170 ofsystem 102 may be defined by a path throughintake 120,conduit 160, pump 132,conduit 162,heater 130,conduit 164 andoutlet 122. In some embodiments, all or substantially all of the portions offluid 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 inFIG. 3B , each of the components are oriented in a cascading fashion to encourage the flow of water fromintake 120 tooutlet 122. Angluation of the components may encourage all or substantially all of the water to drain fromsystem 102 when a level of bathing fluid falls (e.g., drops below a level of outlet 122). Location ofpump 132 at or near intake 120 (e.g., above other components) may enable pump to force water to drain through downstream portions offluid path 170. As described in more detail below,outlet 122 may include a drainage port/hole located substantially at a lowest point or portion ofoutlet 122 to facilitate substantially all of bathing fluid 108 draining fromsystem 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 withinconduit 160 may be indicative of the bathing fluid having a level equal to or greater than the level ofconduit 160. In some embodiments,sensor 133 may be placed at or near a level corresponding to a depth of about four inches (10 cm) inbathing area 106 ofbathtub 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 asensor 133 may be provided at or nearconduit 164 and/oroutlet 122 to sense when bathingfluid 108 is enteringsystem 102. -
Control 134 may provide for control of various aspects of operation ofsystem 102.Control 134 may regulate operation ofpump 132 to control the flow of bathing fluid 108 there through, to reduce or eliminate cavitation, and so forth.Control 134 may regulate operation ofheater 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 inbathtub 104 and/or flowing throughsystem 102.Control 134 may include one ormore sensing devices 134 c 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 aprocessor device 134 a and amemory 134 b storing program instructions thereon that are executable byprocessor device 134 a to cause certain operations ofsystem Memory 134 b may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising the program instructions stored thereon. -
Power source 136 may provide power for operation ofsystem 102. For example, power source may provide power forpump 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 ofsystem 102. -
FIGS. 4-14 include additional illustrations ofheating system 102.FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIG. 5 illustrates a front view ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIG. 6 illustrates a left view ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIG. 7 illustrates a right view ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIG. 8 illustrates a right view including a cross-sectioned view ofoutlet 122 ofheating 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 anintake 120 ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIGS. 10-12 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views ofoutlet 122 ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate detailed cross-sectioned views ofinlet 120 ofheating system 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique. -
Intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may include anouter ring 200 and aninner ring 202.Outer ring 200 may include an externally threadedpotion 206 that is received by an internally threaded portion 208 ofinner ring 202.Outer ring 200 may be disposed at an exterior surface of abracket 209 ofsystem 102 and be threaded intoinner ring 202 disposed at an interior surface ofbracket 209 to capture/sandwich a portion ofbracket 209 within a recess there between. -
Intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may include anopening 210 for the passage of bathing fluid 108 intosystem 102. Opening 210 may be in fluid communication withbathing area 106 andconduit 160. In some embodiments, opening 210 may be oriented to provide a substantially straight fluid path, as depicted inFIGS. 9 and 13 .Intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may include anipple 220 that coupled to an adjacent conduit (e.g.,conduit 160 or 164).Nipple 220 may include a firstbarbed end 220 for insertion into a conduit and substantiallyspherical portion 224 at an opposite end.Spherical portion 224 may be disposed in a complementaryspherical recess 226 formed in an interior ofouter ring 200 and/orinner 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 torings 200 and/or 202, as depicted inFIGS. 11 and 14 . Rotation of nipple with respect torings 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 tounit 124,conduit 160 and/orwall 112 ofbathtub 104. For example as depicted inFIGS. 11 and 14 intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may be angled relative tounit 124 such that a distal baffle 230 is threaded intoouter ring 200 to capturewall 112 in arecess 232 formed there between. Accordingly,intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may be coupled to anangle bathtub wall 112, while being angled relative tounit 124 such thatunit 124 may remain substantially vertical.Unit 124 remaining substantially vertical may ensure that a level or downward angle offluid path 170 is maintained such that low sports that may encourage the pooling of water withinfluid path 170 are not present. - Threading of
outer ring 200 intoinner ring 202 may provide compression betweenspherical portion 224 andrecess 226 to secure a position ofrings nipple 220. In some embodiments, an o-ring seal 240 is provided betweenrecess 226 ofring 200 and an external surface ofspherical portion 224 to facilitate fluid flow throughopening 210 without leakage. An o-ring seal 242 may be provided on an exterior ofring 200 to inhibit leakage of fluid aboutintake 120 and/oroutlet 122. -
Intake 120 and/oroutlet 122 may include baffle 230 a/230 b.Baffle 230 a/230 b may include an externally threadedportion 250 that is received by an internally threadedportion 252 ofouter ring 200.Baffle 230 a/230 b may be disposed at aninterior surface 110 ofwall 112 ofbathtub 104 and be threaded intoouter ring 200 disposed at anexterior surface 114 ofwall 112 to capture/sandwich a portion ofwall 112 within arecess 232 there between. Coupling ofinlet 120 and/oroutlet 122 to wall 112 may couplesystem 102 tobathtub 104. As depicted inFIG. 12 , baffles 230 a and/or 230 b may be threaded in/out (see arrow 231) to various depths to account for varying thickness ofwalls 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), andrecess 232 may have a corresponding width of about 0.09 inches (2.286 mm). In some embodiments, a distance between an inserted end ofbaffle 230 a/230 b and an adjacent surface ofouter ring 202 may be minimized (e.g., maintained at less than about 0.035 inches (0.889 mm)) to reduce an area in whichbathing fluid 108 may accumulate and, thus, not drain. -
Outlet baffle 230 b may diffuse the expulsion of bathing fluid 108 fromsystem 102. Diffusing of thebathing 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 230 b expels bathing fluid 108 in a direction substantially parallel/tangential to aninternal surface 110 ofwall 112 ofbathtub 104. For example, as depicted inFIG. 11 ,baffle 230 b may expel bathing fluid 108 throughlateral ports 260 the direction ofarrows 262.Lateral ports 260 may be disposed about a lateral perimeter ofbaffle 230 b.Baffle 230 b may include a plurality ofports 206 spaced about the lateral exterior ofbaffle 230 b. In some embodiments, baffles 230 b may be evenly spaced about a circumference ofbaffle 230 b. Equal spacing may facilitate an even distribution of bathing fluid 108 being expelled.Baffle 230 b may include a substantially solidcentral portion 264.Central portion 264 may block some, a majority or all of bathing fluid 108 from flow in a substantially straight direction, thereby directingbathing fluid 108 in an approximately ninety degree bend from opening 210 into and throughlateral ports 260. Thus, duringuse bathing fluid 108 may enterbaffle 230 b at a first direction (e.g., via opening 210), and may be redirected bybaffle 230 b (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 tointerior surface 110 ofwall 114 ofbathtub 104. -
Intake baffle 230 a may provide for directingbathing fluid 108 from batingarea 106 intointake 120 ofsystem 102. Intake baffle may includelongitudinal ports 266 for directing intake of bathingfluid 108, as depicted byarrows 268. In some embodiments,intake baffle 230 a may include a configuration that is the same or similar tooutlet baffle 230 b (e.g., including lateral ports). In some embodiments,outlet baffle 230 b may include a configuration that is the same or similar toinlet baffle 230 b (e.g., including vertical ports). -
Outlet 122 may include adrainage port 280.Drainage port 280 may enable substantially all or all of bathing fluid 208 to be drained fromoutlet 122 and/orsystem 102.Drainage port 280 may be located at a lower portion ofoutlet 122 when assembled tobathtub 104. In some embodiments,outlet 122 may include a plurality of drainage ports disposed about anexterior 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 oflateral ports 260 ofbaffle 230 b. -
FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating amethod 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 atblock 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 tosystem 102 to provide enough power to enablesystem 102 to operate in a standby state. In some embodiments, power is constantly provided such thatsystem 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 withsystem 102. For example, a user may simply fill the bathtub with water toactive system 102, as described below. -
Method 500 may include monitoring a water level, as depicted atblock 504. Monitoring a water level may include polling a sensor (e.g.,sensing device 134 c) 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 atblock 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 withinbathtub 104 to maintain a calm and relaxing bathing environment. -
Method 500 may include identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature, as depicted atblock 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 controllingsystem 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 tomethod 600 ofFIG. 16 . -
Method 500 may include identifying and addressing cavitation issues, as depicted atblock 510. In some embodiments, identifying and addressing cavitation issues may include detecting that cavitation of water is occurring withinsystem 102 and/or controlling operation ofpump 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 tomethod 700 ofFIG. 17 . -
Method 500 may include monitoring a water level, as depicted atblock 512. Monitoring a water level may include polling a sensor (e.g.,sensing device 134 c) 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 atblock 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 withinbathtub 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 thatsystem 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 ofpump 132 and/or heater 130). Moreover, returning to an inactive state may enable system to shut-off with little to no user interaction. Forexample 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 ofheater 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 ofmethod 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 ofmethod 500 may be implemented byprocessor 134 a ofcontroller 134. Althoughmethod 500 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used. -
FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating amethod 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 someembodiments method 600 may include identifying and maintaining a desired water temperature as described with respect to block 508 ofmethod 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 bysystem 102. -
Method 600 may include monitoring a water temperature, as depicted atblock 602. For example, upon entering active state and initiatingmethod 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., viatemperature sensor 134 c) 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 desiredtemperature 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 orsystem 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 orsystem 102 is deactivated. -
Method 600 may include maintaining the water at desiredtemperature 606, as depicted atblock 608. For example,system 102 may operate to maintain water inbathtub 102 at the identified desired temperature of 100° F. Maintaining the water at the desiredtemperature 606 may include circulating the water thoughsystem 102 alongflow path 170 via operation ofpump 132 and/oroperating heater 130 to heat the water as it is passed there through. In some embodiments, for example, pump 132 andheater 130 are activated to circulate water at a rate of about five gallons per minute. Water may be expelled throughlateral ports 260 ofbaffle 230 b such that water is gently disbursed into the bathing environment in a path substantially parallel to aninterior surface 110 of thebathtub 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 desiredtemperature 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 atblock 610. For example, upon detecting and/or maintaining the water at desiredtemperature 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., viatemperature sensor 134 c) 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 atblock 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., viatemperature sensor 134 c) 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 atblock 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, andsystem 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, andsystem 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, thesystem 102 is turned off/disabled, and/or thesystem 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 ofmethod 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 ofmethod 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 ofmethod 600 may be implemented byprocessor 134 a ofcontroller 134. Althoughmethod 600 has been described with respect to water, other bathing fluids may be used. -
FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating amethod 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 influid path 170 and correcting the cavitation issue. In someembodiments method 700 may include identifying and addressing cavitation issues as described with respect to block 510 ofmethod 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 bysystem 102. -
Method 700 may include detecting cavitation of water in a fluid path, as depicted atblock 702. For example cavitation may be detected atpump 132 or elsewhere withinpath 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 thoughfluid path 170, cavitation may be identified where a temperature at an outlet ofheater 130 exceeds specified temperature threshold (e.g., absolute temperature or rate of change), and/or a difference in thewater temperature inlet 120 andoutlet 122 exceeding a specified temperature threshold. In some embodiments, cavitation is automatically detected based on increased vibration or noise/sound emitted frompump 132. -
Method 700 may include correcting cavitation, as depicted atblock 704. In some embodiments, when cavitation is detected system 102 (e.g.,processor 134 a) automatically turns offpump 132 for a given time interval (e.g., about 3-10 seconds). This may allow trapped air inpump 132 or other portions of system 102 (e.g., path 170) to flow up and out ofintake 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 drainedbathtub 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 ofmethod 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 ofmethod 700 may be implemented byprocessor 134 a ofcontroller 134. Althoughmethod 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.
Claims (17)
1. A method of maintaining a bath fluid temperature, comprising:
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.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature change threshold comprises an absolute difference in temperature.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature change threshold comprises a rate of change in temperature.
4. A bath fluid heating system, comprising:
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;
wherein, during use, a bathing fluid is configured to flow into the inlet, to flow through the heater, to flow through the pump and to flow out of the outlet, and
wherein the fluid path is oriented at an angle configured to facilitate drainage of substantially all of the bathing fluid from the fluid path.
5. The bath fluid heating system of claim 4 , wherein the inlet, outlet, the pump and the heater are disposed in cascading arrangement with respect to one another.
6. The bath fluid heating system of claim 4 , further comprising conduits extending between each of the inlet, the pump, the heater, and/or the outlet, wherein the conduit is substantially level or angled downward.
7. The bath fluid heating system of claim 4 , wherein the heater is angled downward such that an outlet of the heater is below an inlet of the heater.
8. The bath fluid heating system of claim 4 , wherein the outlet is disposed below the inlet, the pump and the heater.
9. The bath fluid heating system of claim 4 , wherein the outlet comprises a drain port.
10. A fluid outlet system for a bathing fluid circulation system, comprising:
a baffle comprising:
a body configured 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.
11. The fluid outlet system of claim 10 , wherein the baffle comprises a plurality of lateral ports disposed about a circumference of the baffle body.
12. The fluid outlet system of claim 10 , wherein the baffle comprises a substantially solid central portion configured to direct fluid flow into the lateral ports.
13. The fluid outlet system of claim 10 , wherein the baffle comprises a substantially solid central portion configured to block fluid from exiting substantially perpendicular to the to the interior wall of the bathtub.
14. A method, comprising:
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.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein identifying a cavitation condition in a fluid path comprising a pump comprises detecting a drop in power consumption by the pump.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein identifying a cavitation condition in a fluid path comprising a pump comprises detecting in increase in temperature along the fluid path that exceeds a threshold temperature change.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein cycling the pump into an inactive state for a given period of time comprises turning the pump off for a period of time sufficient to allow trapped air to escape via the fluid path.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/111,460 US20110283448A1 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2011-05-19 | Bath system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US34635710P | 2010-05-19 | 2010-05-19 | |
US13/111,460 US20110283448A1 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2011-05-19 | Bath system and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110283448A1 true US20110283448A1 (en) | 2011-11-24 |
Family
ID=44626636
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/111,460 Abandoned US20110283448A1 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2011-05-19 | Bath system and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110283448A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011146728A2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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EP2922129A1 (en) * | 2014-03-20 | 2015-09-23 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuell cell system |
US9301652B2 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2016-04-05 | Chet Millerd | Portable walk-in bathtub |
JP2019066126A (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-04-25 | 株式会社パロマ | Bath water heater |
US10675214B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2020-06-09 | Kohler Co. | Heated air bath system |
US11077018B2 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2021-08-03 | Kohler Co. | Bathing system and method of controlling same |
CN113554014A (en) * | 2021-09-22 | 2021-10-26 | 江苏凯帝商业设施有限公司 | Bathtub hot water temperature control method and system based on artificial intelligence |
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US20060112953A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Florent Gougerot | Water flow detection system for a bathing unit |
US20090126100A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2009-05-21 | Michael Lee Kenoyer | Systems and Methods for Bathtub Heating |
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WO2007029908A1 (en) * | 2005-09-05 | 2007-03-15 | Sunny Lee | A bathtub water supply apparatus |
GB0701798D0 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2007-03-07 | Temperate Systems Ltd | Circulating flow device |
-
2011
- 2011-05-19 WO PCT/US2011/037171 patent/WO2011146728A2/en active Application Filing
- 2011-05-19 US US13/111,460 patent/US20110283448A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20060112953A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Florent Gougerot | Water flow detection system for a bathing unit |
US20090126100A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2009-05-21 | Michael Lee Kenoyer | Systems and Methods for Bathtub Heating |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9301652B2 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2016-04-05 | Chet Millerd | Portable walk-in bathtub |
EP2922129A1 (en) * | 2014-03-20 | 2015-09-23 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuell cell system |
JP2015185265A (en) * | 2014-03-20 | 2015-10-22 | アイシン精機株式会社 | fuel cell system |
US10675214B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2020-06-09 | Kohler Co. | Heated air bath system |
US11331246B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2022-05-17 | Kohler Co. | Heated air bath system |
JP2019066126A (en) * | 2017-10-03 | 2019-04-25 | 株式会社パロマ | Bath water heater |
US11077018B2 (en) | 2018-01-12 | 2021-08-03 | Kohler Co. | Bathing system and method of controlling same |
CN113554014A (en) * | 2021-09-22 | 2021-10-26 | 江苏凯帝商业设施有限公司 | Bathtub hot water temperature control method and system based on artificial intelligence |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011146728A3 (en) | 2013-10-17 |
WO2011146728A2 (en) | 2011-11-24 |
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