WO2020104838A1

WO2020104838A1 - Pressure driven water fountain device

Info

Publication number: WO2020104838A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/059203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Faisal KHALAF DARWISH HASAN ALHOSANI
Original assignee: Khalaf Darwish Hasan Alhosani Faisal
Priority date: 2018-11-22
Filing date: 2018-11-22
Publication date: 2020-05-28

Abstract

The invention relates to a dancing water fountain, and more particularly to a dancing water fountain device driven by pressure, where the device includes a plurality of actuators and a plurality of deformable members, placed in close proximity to a surface of a body of water, and housed within a sealed chamber, such that activation of the actuators generates fluctuations in the pressure within the chamber, wherein fluctuations are absorbed by the flexing of said deformable members which result in movement, such as ripples and/or vibrations and/or splashing, of the water surface.

Description

PRESSURE DRIVEN WATER FOUNTAIN DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of dancing water fountains, and more particularly to a water fountain device driven by pressure generated by at least one speaker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A water fountain creates a water dance effect such as ripples, vibrations or splashing of the water’s surface. This dance effect may be varied with the melody of music or with the rhythm of an external sound.

However, conventional water fountains are jet stream driven and primarily focussed on projecting gusts of water up and away from the body of water. These types of fountains are typically quite loud and obtrusive, especially when the water crashes back to the body of water under the influence of gravity. Furthermore, the water crashing back can cause splashes which result in water being spilled over the limits of the fountain onto floors and surfaces.

These types of water fountains are impractical when smaller, more discrete water fountains are desired. Such discrete fountains may be desired for certain types of use, such as entrance halls to buildings, or for home use.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the current invention to address the above-mentioned problems, at least to a degree, by providing a water fountain which is discrete and unobtrusive, which provides an aesthetically pleasing dance to the on-looker. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a pressure driven water fountain, which includes;

a chamber;

at least one actuator; and

at least one elastically deformable member; where,

said actuator extends through a portion of the chamber and is configured to direct a pulse of air into the chamber; said deformable member extends through a portion of the chamber;

wherein said deformable member oscillates in response to the pulse of air.

The deformable member may include substantially planar body comprising opposing upper and lower surfaces, further the member may include an upper rigid plate affixed to the upper surface and a lower rigid plate affixed to the lower surface; further still the member may include a U-shaped surround; even further still where said surround may be positioned past the edges of the plates; still even further where the member may be substantially circular in shape.

The actuator may be a speaker; further where movement of the speaker will result in a pulse of air; further still where the speaker may be connected to a power amplification module which outputs an alternating current to the speaker to result in said movement.

The actuator may be an air pump; further where the air pump may be a piston powered air pump; even further still where the air pump may be a compressor.

The chamber may include an aperture for collecting liquids entering the chamber; further where the chamber may taper towards said aperture.

The invention further provides for the aperture for collecting fluids to include a reservoir, for storing collected fluids; an outlet valve, for draining said collected fluids; and a fluid sensor positioned within said reservoir for detecting the amount of fluid in said reservoir; further for the reservoir to include a cover for directing fluids away from the sensor.

Further features of the invention include an inlet valve, positioned through the chamber; further for the inlet valve to place a regulated compressed air source and the interior of the chamber in communication. Still further features of the invention provide for said deformable member to be located substantially opposite to the aperture for collecting fluids.

Even further features of the invention provide for the chamber to include an extension portion, wherein said portion includes the deformable member; further where the portion is located substantially opposite to the aperture for collecting fluids.

The invention further provides for said deformable member to be substantially co-aligned with a water surface of a body of water when in use; further still where the oscillation of said deformable member will cause water located at the water surface and in proximity to said deformable member to vibrate and/or ripple and/or splash.

The invention provides further where the chamber may be substantially sealed; preferably the chamber may be substantially watertight; even more preferably the chamber may be substantially airtight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent by the following description of the embodiment, which is made by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 : shows a cross-sectional side view of the pressure driven water fountain in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2: shows a cross-sectional side view of the chamber of the invention of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3: shows a view from a side of the deformable member of the invention of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4: shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 5: shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , which shows a pressure driven water fountain 10 in accordance with the invention. The fountain comprises a chamber 12, a pair of actuators 14A and 14B and an elastically deformable member 16.

Actuators 14 are sealingly coupled to the chamber 12 and extend through apertures 18A and 18B respectively, while the member 16 is sealingly coupled to the chamber and extends through aperture 18C. The coupling of the actuators and the member to the chamber gives rise to internal volume 20, which is sealed from external environments 22 and 24.

The actuators 14 are designed to inject a pulse of air into the volume 20 upon activation. While repetitive activations of the actuators are possible and results in repetitive pulses of air, this is not exclusively the function of the actuators and single activations are also possible. In addition, the activation may be rhythmic, regular or irregular, synchronized between actuators or even asynchronous between the actuators.

As air is injected into the volume 20 so the internal pressure of the chamber will fluctuate. The fluctuation of the pressure is absorbed, to a degree, by a flexing of the member 16. The flexing includes stretching and contracting of the member, typically in a vibrating or oscillating fashion. The flexing of the member is inherent in the material of the member being elastically deformable, such as a natural rubber material or material with similar elastic characteristics.

The flexing of the member 16 may be passed to secondary objects or fluids placed in close proximity thereto. Typically, the member is placed co-linearly with a surface of water 26 of a body of water. As the member flexes, so the water surface is pushed and pulled to cause a ripple and/or splash and/or vibrating effect.

The water fountain 10, should be positioned such that member 16 is in substantial co- linear alignment with the surface of water 26 of the body of water. Such positioning would result in the fountain being submerged in the body of water, in which instance the external environments 22 and 24 (discussed supra) would both be the water, or the water fountain would be partially submerged, in which external environment 22 would differ from external environment 24.

The external environment 22 could be stone, cement, concrete or any other building material or any supporting arrangement for supporting and positioning the fountain 10, while external environment 24 would be open and free of any materials. Thus, external environment 24 will allow access to the water fountain 10. What is important to note is that external environment 22 is such that it will retain, to a degree, the body of water above it, and hence the water surface 26.

Turning to Figure 2, which shows the chamber 12, apertures 18A, 18B and 18C. An additional three apertures 18D, 18E and 18F are also shown. Each aperture is flanked by a flange arrangement 28 which includes at least a first pair of holes for receiving a fastening means, such as a nut and bolt arrangement.

The chamber 12 is substantially oblong in shape and comprises a top section 30, a bottom section 32 and a sidewall 34 which separates the two sections.

In the current embodiment of the water fountain 10, apertures 18A and 18B are diametrically opposed along the sidewall 34, apertures 18C and 18E are located along the top section 30, and aperture 18D is located along the bottom section 32 and is positioned opposite aperture 18C.

Located substantially midway along the bottom section 32 is an opening 36. The bottom section is tapered as from sidewall 34 towards the opening. Any fluid within internal volume 20 and resting on the bottom section will run, under the influence of gravity, in a direction away from the sidewall 34, and towards the opening.

Positioned beneath opening 36 is a reservoir 38. The reservoir is formed by a sidewall 40, which includes an aperture 18F, and a base 42 at where aperture 18D is located. The base is located opposite to opening 36. Extending from the sidewall 40 is a drip shield 44. The drip shield partially obscures aperture 18F from opening 36.

Coupled with aperture 18F is a water level sensor 46. The sensor includes a flange arrangement similar in shape to the flange arrangement 28 of the aperture 18F. Holes on each flange are aligned and fastening members passed there through and fastened to couple the flanges together. A gasket is placed between the flanges during coupling to ensure a substantial seal is achieved.

A portion of the water level sensor 46 extends into reservoir 38. The drip shield 44 partially obscures the sensor, such that any fluids which enter the internal volume 20 of the chamber would not make direct contact with the sensor. Contact with the sensor by fluids is preferably only made once a sufficient amount of fluid collects and fills reservoir 38, such that the level of the fluid meets the sensor.

The fluid valve 48 includes a flange arrangement similar in shape to the flange arrangement 28 of aperture 18D. Much like the coupling of the water sensor 46 to aperture 18F, the flange arrangement of fluid valve 48 is coupled with the flange arrangement of aperture 18D. The holes are aligned, and fastening members passed therethrough and fastened to secure the two flanges. A gasket is placed between the flanges to ensure a substantial seal.

Fluid valve 48 acts as a drain for excess fluid held within the reservoir 38, which has been collected in the internal volume 20 of the chamber 12.

Once the fluid has filled the reservoir 38 to such a degree as to make contact with the sensor 46 a signal is generated. The signal informs the operator of the fluid level and that the valve should be opened to drain the excess fluid.

The signal may additionally serve a diagnostic role, wherein the frequency of the signal may also be monitored. Such frequency could give an indication of leaks in the chamber. Higher frequency of signals would indicate multiple, or large leaks. Additionally, frequent signals could indicate that the deformable member 16, located at the water surface level 26 is loose, worn, tearing, or any other type of mechanical malfunction. This information could then be used to initiate a repair or replacement of the member.

Air valve 50 is coupled with aperture 18E. Valve 50 includes a flange arrangement similar to that of flange arrangement of 18E, and the respective flanges are coupled in a similar fashion to that already discussed.

During maintenance activities, the air valve 50 may act as a pressure regulator for the chamber 12 to assist in maintaining the pressure within the internal volume 20. The air valve is preferably connected to a regulated compressed air source, but may be any source of air, and places the interval volume in communication with said source. The valve includes a sensor for measuring the amount of internal pressure within the chamber.

Depending on the amount of pressure required, the valve may be manipulated to allow passage of air out of the chamber 20, or to introduce more air into the chamber. Where the internal pressure drops below a certain value, the air valve 50 may be manipulated to open and release compressed air, or air from any source, into the volume 20, thus restoring the internal pressure to an appropriate value for use of the fountain 10. Additionally, the valve includes a bleed function, wherein excessive pressure build-up within internal volume 20 may be released through the bleed function. Therefore, also restoring the internal pressure to an appropriate value.

In the preferred operation of the invention, the appropriate value for the internal pressure within the chamber 20 is preferably at normal atmospheric pressure.

In operation of draining the excess fluid collected in reservoir 38, the air valve 50 and fluid valve 48 will work in unison. Sequentially, fluid collected in the reservoir will rise to the level of the water level sensor 46. Once the fluid level reaches the sensor the signal is generated to notify an operator that the fluid must be drained.

Each of the actuators, 14A and 14B, will be deactivated in the draining process. In draining the excess fluid, air valve 50 must first be manipulated to an open position, thus allowing air to flow into the chamber. Following manipulation of the air valve, the fluid valve 48 will then be manipulated to allow the excess fluid to drain from the reservoir 38.

Once the excess fluid has been expelled from the reservoir 38, the air valve 50 will be closed. Fluid valve 48 is left open for a period of time to ensure that the internal pressure of the internal volume 20 can, as closely as possible, return to normal atmospheric pressure.

The deformable member 16 may be used as a visual guide to determine when the preferred internal pressure has been reached. A protruding member, outwardly from the chamber 12, indicates a higher internal pressure. When this occurs the fluid valve 48 should remain open to bleed excess air within the chamber, until the preferred atmospheric pressure is reached. While a concaving member, inwardly into the chamber, indicates a lower internal pressure - i.e. a vacuum being created. Once again, the fluid valve is left open to allow the internal pressure to reach the preferred atmospheric pressure.

The air valve 50 places the internal volume 20 in communication with a regulated compressed air source. This source may also be useful, by injecting air when needed, in balancing the internal pressure of the volume 20. Once the preferred internal pressure is reached the fluid valve 48 is closed. With both the fluid valve and the air valve 50 closed, the water fountain 10 may be used, this is then achieved by re-activating the actuators 14A and 14B.

Each of the actuators 14A and 14B (as shown in Figure 1 ) include a flange arrangement similar to that of respective flange arrangements 28 for apertures 18A and 18B. The coupling of the respective flanges is done in a similar fashion to that already discussed. Gaskets are used to ensure a substantial seal.

In the current embodiment each actuator, 14A and 14B, is a speaker. The cone of the speaker is directed toward the internal volume 20 of the chamber 12. The speakers are connected to a power amplification module (not shown) which outputs an alternating current through each speaker.

The alternating current output may be rhythmic, such as in the case of playing a piece of music through the module. Alternatively, the output may be any regular or irregular alternating current passed through the module and may be synchronised or asynchronized between each of the speakers.

The pulse of air generated by each speaker has the effect of altering the internal pressure of the chamber 12. The change in pressure causes the flexing of the member. Repetitive pulses of air entering the chamber will result in fluctuations to the internal pressure of the chamber. These fluctuations in pressure are absorbed by the member 16 which will flex to accommodate therefor. Typically, the member will stretch and contract, thus the member will oscillate when absorbing the pressure changes.

Turning to Figure 3 where a side view of the deformable member 16 is shown.

The deformable member 16 includes a substantially planar body 52 which comprises an upper surface 54 and opposing lower surface 56.

The member 16 includes a flange arrangement similar in shape to that of the flange arrangement 28 of aperture 18C. The coupling of the member is done in a similar fashion to that already discussed. Gaskets are used to ensure a substantial seal.

As discussed, pulses of air generated by the actuators 14A and 14B cause fluctuations in the internal pressure of chamber 12. These fluctuations are absorbed, to a degree, by the member which flexes to accommodate the changing internal pressure. Due to the elastic nature of the material used to form the member 16, the fluctuations result in the stretching and contracting of the member body 52. The constant stretching and contracting of the member body resulting in the oscillation of the member.

To assist in creating a uniform oscillation of the body 52, across the upper and lower surfaces, 54 and 56 respectively - each surface includes substantially rigid plates. The rigid plates are affixed to the opposing surfaces, wherein the upper surface includes an upper plate 58 and the lower surface includes a lower plate 60.

By affixing the plates 58 and 60 ripples or non-uniform movements across the surfaces 54 and 56 of the member body 52 during oscillation, are limited.

The member additionally includes a U-shaped surround 62. The surround is preferably located toward the extremity of the member, past the edges of the plates. While the elastic nature of the body provides for the stretching, contacting and oscillation - the surround provides for this movement to be accentuated, to a degree. The range of motion is thus increased, such that greater oscillations may be possible.

In use of the water fountain 10, oscillations of the member 16 may be timed and co ordinated. This is done by matching the pulses of air generated by the actuators 14A and 14B to each oscillation. The timing of each oscillation will cause the water surface 26, when the fountain is in use, the splash and/or ripple and/or vibrate in a particular fashion. This type of movement of the water surface may be co-ordinated to music, dancing lights, or provide for an aesthetically pleasing dance, or, of course, a combination of all three.

Turning now to Figure 4 and Figure 5, which shown a pressure driven water fountain 10, in accordance with the invention, in a preferred embodiment for use, from a side view and a top view respectively.

The Figures show the water fountain 10 which includes a chamber 12, a plurality of deformable members 16A, 16B, ...16N and a plurality of actuators 14A, 14B to 14N.

The chamber 12 optionally includes a fluid valve 48 as well as an air valve 50, although both are not necessarily required preferably the embodiment requires only the fluid valve 48. The chamber 12 is positioned beneath external environment 22, which is a body of water, such that each of the deformable members 16 are co-aligned with the surface of water 26. The external environment 22 is contained by a basin 64.

An additional valve 70 extends through the base of the basin 64 and is used to drain said basin as and when required preferably valve 70 is manipulated to maintain the deformable members 16 is substantial co-alignment of the water surface 26.

Additionally, each of the deformable members 16 are substantially circular in shape (more clearly shown in Figure 5).

The external environment 24 in the embodiment is in the form of a box-shaped structure 66. The structure includes at least one adjustment means 68, and preferably a plurality of adjustment means which may be manipulated to level basin 64.

When in use, the amplification module will output an alternating current through each of the actuators 14 which causes the pulses of air to be directed into the internal volume 20, and thus causes the pressure fluctuations. The fluctuations in pressure therefore causing the members 16 to oscillate. All this takes place in the fashion discussed supra. The oscillation of the members causes the water surface 26 to dance (ripple and/or vibrate and/or splash) in accordance with the invention, across the entire surface or across the entire basin 64.

The pressure of internal volume 20 may be maintained through the use of air valve 50 while any fluid entering the volume is expelled through fluid valve 48.

The invention may include a plurality of light arrangements attached to the basin 64, either above or below the surface of the water 26 and may even provide for different colourants being added to the body of water to enhance the aesthetic effect thereof.

The device may be formed from a variety of materials, through different processes, what is preferred is that the final device be sufficiently robust, rigid and affordable.

As may be seen, and has been briefly discussed, various embodiments of the water fountain 10 are available. The mentioned embodiments are not deemed to be limiting in this respect and are provided as a means of example only. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of variations may be made to the above described invention or features thereof, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A pressure driven water fountain, which includes;

a chamber;

at least one actuator; and

at least one elastically deformable member; where,

wherein said deformable member oscillates in response to the pulse of air.

2. The water fountain as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deformable member includes a substantially planar body comprising opposing upper and lower surfaces and an upper rigid plate affixed to the upper surface and a lower rigid plate affixed to the lower surface.

3. The water fountain as claimed in claim 2 wherein the deformable member includes a U-shaped surround which is positioned past the edges of the plates.

4. The water fountain as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deformable member is substantially circular in shape.

5. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the actuator is a speaker.

6. The water fountain as claimed in claim 5 wherein movement of the speaker relative to the fountain will direct the pulse of air into the chamber.

7. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the chamber includes an opening for collecting fluids entering the chamber.

8. The water fountain as claimed in claim 7 wherein the chamber is tapered towards the opening.

9. The water fountain as claimed in claim 8 wherein the opening includes a reservoir, for storing collected fluids; an outlet valve, for draining said collected fluids; and a fluid sensor positioned within said reservoir for detecting the amount of fluid in said reservoir.

10. The water fountain as claimed in claim 9 wherein the reservoir includes a cover for directing fluids away from the sensor.

1 1 . The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the chamber includes an inlet valve, positioned through the chamber.

12. The water fountain as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the inlet valve places a regulated compressed air source and the interior of the chamber in communication.

13. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the deformable member is co-aligned with a water surface of a body of water when in use.

14. The water fountain as claimed in claim 13 wherein oscillation of the deformable member causes water located at the water surface and in proximity to the deformable member to vibrate and/or ripple and/or splash.

15. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the chamber is sealed and/or watertight and/or airtight.

16. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the deformable member is substantially co-aligned with a surface of water when in use.

17. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the deformable member is just beneath a surface of water when in use.

18. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the speakers are water proof speakers.

19. The water fountain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the deformable member is not a speaker.