Methods and systems for reducing water consumption in sanitary facilities

Abstract

Method for reducing water consumption in a sanitary installation (10), in particular a shower, comprising the following steps: providing a controllable flow restrictor (22; 22a, 22b) in a first water flow path (14; 14a, 14b); providing a control unit (24) that controls the controllable flow restrictor (22; 22a, 22b); The control unit (24) collects information about the current water consumption of the sanitary installation (10), the control unit (24) summing the current water consumption to a total water consumption and comparing the total water consumption with a definable consumption limit, and when the definable consumption limit is reached by the total water consumption, the control unit (24) gives haptic feedback to a user of the sanitary installation (10) by controlling the controllable flow restrictor (22; 22a, 22b) such that a water flow through the water flow path (14;14a, 14b) is pulsed with one or more pulses with a pulse duration between 10 ms and 5 seconds.;

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method and a system for reducing water consumption in sanitary installations, in particular in sanitary installations. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] The provision of hot and cold water requires the use of natural resources by utility companies, businesses, and end users alike. Operating water treatment plants, pumping stations, and wastewater treatment plants, as well as hot water production, is particularly energy-intensive. For example, a four-minute hot water shower often requires more than 1.5 kWh of thermal energy, which is typically supplied by fossil fuels or electricity. In industrialized countries, total water consumption accounts for a significant portion of primary energy consumption and is therefore responsible for a substantial share of current greenhouse gas emissions. Everyday habits, especially activities like showering, have a considerable impact on the environment.

[0003] However, users of sanitary facilities are often unaware of how many resources they consume when using them. For example, water consumption when showering depends on the length of time spent in the shower and can therefore be influenced by user behavior.

[0004] To enable a more sustainable bathroom experience, the applicant already sells a showerhead that displays water and energy consumption during showering. The showerhead features LED indicators on the front, providing visual feedback via a traffic light system, as well as a display on the back. The accompanying app enhances the effect of psychological incentives, motivating users through self-fulfillment, the challenge of reducing water consumption, and maintaining self-esteem. Further details are described in DE 10 2008 039 272 A1, and studies have shown that real-time feedback to the user can be an effective tool for reducing water consumption.

[0005] The concept of a shower head that displays water consumption is only practical in certain showering situations. For example, the display attached to the shower head is not visible when it is connected to a rain shower head or a rain shower system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore, one aim of the invention is to further address the problem of excessive water consumption in sanitary facilities, especially showers.

[0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for reducing water consumption in a sanitary installation, in particular a shower, which comprises the following steps: a) Providing a controllable flow restrictor in a first water flow path; b) Providing a control unit that controls the controllable flow limiter; c) Collecting information about the current water consumption of the sanitary installation via the control unit, wherein the control unit sums the current water consumption to a total water consumption and compares the total water consumption with a definable consumption limit; where d) as soon as the total water consumption reaches the definable consumption limit, the control unit gives a user of the sanitary installation haptic feedback by controlling the controllable flow limiter so that a water flow through the water flow path is pulsed with one or more pulses, in particular with a pulse length between 10 ms and 5 seconds.

[0008] The invention contributes to reducing water consumption by providing a haptic feedback mechanism that warns the user when the consumption limit is reached. Providing haptic feedback to the user upon reaching a predefined water consumption limit increases the user's awareness of water consumption and thus promotes conservation efforts. The pulsing of the water flow creates a perceptible sensation that can warn users without relying on visual or audible indicators, which may be less effective in a shower. For the user, this inherent haptic feedback has the advantage of allowing them to monitor their water consumption in real time and stop using the sanitary facilities, particularly showering.

[0009] Above all, the invention provides haptic feedback that is inherent in the water consumption process itself and does not require any further display elements or the like, which might contradict aesthetic design aspects of the sanitary components involved, e.g. shower heads.

[0010] Pulsing the water flow can be achieved using a controllable flow restrictor and a control unit that monitors the total water consumption from the start of water usage, e.g., from the beginning of a shower, and compares this value with a definable consumption limit. When the total water consumption reaches the definable consumption limit, the control unit activates the controllable flow restrictor so that the flow rate through it changes briefly. This results in a pulse in the water flow, which emerges from the outlet of the respective sanitary fixture, e.g., the shower head.

[0011] Although the invention would already provide haptic feedback with just one pulse, it would most likely require a series of pulses to achieve a kind of rattling effect in the water flow.

[0012] To implement haptic feedback, all possible varying pulse lengths and potential adjustments to flow rate and temperature could be used.

[0013] The defined pulse length range ensures that the feedback is perceptible without being too abrupt or disrupting the user experience, thus striking a balance between the need to warn users and the comfort of using the sanitary facilities.

[0014] The controllable flow limiter can be any type of driveable, especially electronically driven, component that changes the flow rate of water.

[0015] A definable consumption limit refers to any type of restriction defined within the control unit, such as a value set in a software component of the control unit that can be predefined as a factory setting and / or individually configured. The ability to define a consumption limit allows for adaptation to individual or legal requirements and offers flexibility in water resource management. In particular, it might be possible to set different consumption limits depending on the energy consumption required to supply the water. For example, the consumption limit for a sanitary system that uses renewable energy to heat the water could be set higher.

[0016] The process can also include more than one definable consumption limit. The control unit can provide initial feedback when a first limit is reached and a second feedback when a subsequent limit is reached. The individual configuration of the feedback pulse could even differ in this case. This would allow for a graduated response to ongoing water consumption as increasingly higher consumption levels are reached. The control unit can even completely stop water consumption when a specific hard limit for total water consumption is reached.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the one or more pulses includes a reduction of the water flow to zero.

[0018] Reducing the water flow to zero during the pulses serves as a strong and immediate signal to the user, prompting a faster response to excessive water consumption.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the one or more pulses comprises a reduction of the water flow to an intermediate value between zero and a normal flow rate.

[0020] Reducing the water flow to an intermediate level allows for a less abrupt interruption of the shower experience while still conveying the message of excessive water consumption. This can serve as a gentler reminder, which may be preferable in residential areas or where a complete interruption of the water flow is undesirable.

[0021] The method can also be used to gradually increase the disruptive effect on the user when different definable consumption limits are reached, e.g., by lowering the intermediate value with each subsequent limit reached.

[0022] Preferably, at least one of the one or more pulses includes an increase in water flow beyond a normal flow rate.

[0023] Increasing the water flow beyond the normal flow rate can also provide a surprising contrast to the usual shower experience and effectively draw the user's attention to water consumption.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the one or more pulses includes a temperature drop.

[0025] Introducing a temperature drop as part of the haptic feedback provides an additional sensory cue that is more immediately perceptible than changes in flow rate alone.

[0026] Temperature fluctuations can be particularly effective in attracting the user's attention, as thermal changes are quickly perceived by the body even in a distracted state.

[0027] This feature can be particularly useful in public or commercial environments where users may be less mindful of water consumption, thus enabling effective enforcement of water conservation measures.

[0028] In particular, the temperature can be lowered to the temperature of the incoming cold water, clearly signaling to the user that the use of excessively hot water is energy-intensive.

[0029] Combined with the idea of ​​a staged response with definable consumption limits, the temperature drop can be increased in each step. In a final state, the process could completely interrupt the hot water supply.

[0030] A graduated response could additionally or alternatively include longer pulse lengths for second and subsequent feedback pulses.

[0031] Preferably, the controllable flow limiter is a controllable valve, in particular a solenoid valve.

[0032] As explained above, the controllable flow restrictor can generally be any type of driveable component in the water path that can change the flow rate of the water.

[0033] The inclusion of a controllable valve, such as a simple on / off valve, particularly a solenoid valve, provides this functionality. Commercially available bistable solenoid valves can also be used. Especially in electrically operated sanitary fittings, an existing controllable valve could be used to implement the method according to the invention.

[0034] Furthermore, a proportional valve could be used to precisely control the water flow and allow for intermediate flow rates within the pulse. In this context, it should be noted that some proportional valves are pulse-width modulated (PWM) valves. However, the electrical drive pulses applied to such valves operate on a timescale much faster than the pulse lengths of the haptic feedback pulses used in the present invention. The present invention uses pulse lengths between 10 milliseconds and 10 seconds, preferably 10 milliseconds and 5 seconds, and more preferably 100 milliseconds and 3 seconds.

[0035] The controllable flow limiter can also be implemented as a controllable switching valve that selects between two water paths that have different static flow limits.

[0036] Preferably, the method further comprises a second water flow path that bypasses the controllable flow restrictor arranged in the first water flow path.

[0037] The presence of a second water flow path that bypasses the controllable flow restrictor ensures an uninterrupted water supply and can improve the reliability of the system.

[0038] Furthermore, the bypass water flow path can be used to provide a constant base level of water flow, which can be crucial for applications requiring a continuous water supply, thus improving the versatility of the system.

[0039] Preferably, the method further comprises a second controllable flow restrictor arranged in the second water flow path.

[0040] The placement of a second controllable flow restrictor in the bypass path enables independent control of both water flow paths, thus providing redundancy and the possibility to fine-tune the haptic feedback according to specific requirements.

[0041] Preferably, the method further comprises that a predetermined flow limiter is established in the first water flow path, in particular by using a fixed flow limiter.

[0042] The installation of a fixed flow restrictor in the first water flow path ensures a uniform and predictable water flow.

[0043] Using a fixed flow restrictor can prevent excessive water consumption and reduce the risk of water waste.

[0044] A predetermined flow limiter simplifies the design and operation of the system, as it reduces the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment, thereby lowering the complexity and cost of operation.

[0045] Preferably, the method further comprises a second flow restrictor used to open and close a base water stream, and the first flow restrictor is used to open and close an additional water stream, so that the additional water stream is pulsed when the definable consumption limit is reached.

[0046] The second water flow path can, for example, deliver a flow rate of 8 l / s, and the water flow path with the controlled flow restrictor can deliver an additional 4 l / s, totaling 12 l / s during normal shower operation. For pulsating, the first partial water flow path is closed via the controllable flow restrictor, such as a simple on / off valve, thus reducing the water flow from 12 l / s to 8 l / s. Even if there is a problem with the control unit, such as low battery power or similar issues, such a second water flow path still allows for normal shower use.

[0047] This dual-limiter approach allows the system to cover both steady-state conditions and peak load scenarios, thus ensuring an optimized water supply for both daily use and the exceptional situation of pulse feedback.

[0048] Preferably, the control unit resets the total water consumption if the current water consumption remains at zero for a certain period of time.

[0049] Resetting the total water consumption after a period of inactivity allows the system to be prepared for later use of the sanitary facilities. This ensures that the haptic feedback pulse is consistently provided for each complete shower, leading to a habitual effect of ending the shower when the pulse is given.

[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, a system for reducing water consumption in a sanitary installation, in particular in a shower, is provided, which comprises a) a controllable flow restrictor in a first water flow path, b) a control unit that controls the controllable flow limiter, c) wherein the control unit is set up to record information about the current water consumption of the sanitary installation, to sum the current water consumption to a total water consumption and to compare the total water consumption with a definable consumption limit, where d) the control unit is set up to control the controllable flow limiter in such a way that a water flow through the water flow path is pulsed with at least one pulse with a pulse length between 10 ms and 3 seconds as soon as the total water consumption reaches the definable consumption limit, thereby providing haptic feedback to a user of the sanitary facility.

[0051] Such a system allows for the convenient implementation of the inventive idea. Generally, the system enables the pulsing of the water flow with one or more pulses, which includes reducing the water flow to zero or an intermediate value, increasing the water flow above the normal value, or even initiating a temperature drop. This offers the advantage of flexibility in controlling the water flow to meet specific user preferences or conservation goals.

[0052] Preferably, the system further comprises a controllable flow limiter, which is part of a sanitary fitting, in particular a shower mixer tap.

[0053] Integrating the controllable flow limiter into a sanitary fitting, such as a shower mixer tap, simplifies the installation process, as fewer additional components and potential sources of error in the water flow path are required.

[0054] This configuration can result in a more aesthetically pleasing design, as the flow restrictor is hidden in the fitting, thus preserving the visual integrity of the bathroom or kitchen environment.

[0055] Preferably, the system further comprises a controllable flow limiter, which is arranged in a hot water supply line and / or a cold water supply line to a sanitary fitting, in particular to a shower mixer tap.

[0056] By installing the controllable flow restrictor in the hot and / or cold water supply lines to a sanitary fitting, the system can be used as an add-on to familiar and standard sanitary fittings. For example, the controllable flow restrictor can be concealed as a wall-mounted sanitary component in a shower enclosure. The control unit can be integrated with the controllable flow restrictor as a single unit. However, the control unit can also be part of a more complex system with an electrically operated sanitary fitting.

[0057] By providing a controllable flow limiter only in the hot water supply line, a pulse with a temperature drop as described above can be provided.

[0058] This arrangement can also facilitate the maintenance and replacement of the flow restrictor, as it is accessible from the connecting pipes without having to dismantle the entire sanitary fitting.

[0059] Preferably, the system further comprises a controllable flow limiter, which is arranged downstream of a sanitary fitting, in particular in a shower hose, in a shower head, in a connecting line of a shower head and / or as an adapter between these components.

[0060] By placing the controllable flow restrictor downstream of a sanitary fitting, for example in a shower hose or shower head, the water flow can be controlled more precisely, so that the water output can be individually adjusted at the point of use.

[0061] This arrangement also offers the advantage that existing systems can be retrofitted with advanced water-saving technology without having to replace the entire fitting, which is a cost-effective solution for users who want to improve their water consumption management.

[0062] Information about current water consumption could be obtained, for example, by measuring water consumption along the water flow path or at an outlet of the sanitary installation. Any known measuring method can be used, and the inventive idea is independent of how the information about current water consumption is obtained. This means that time-measuring methods that record the start and end times of water consumption, e.g., via electrically controlled valves, and derive the current water consumption from this, are also considered part of the invention.

[0063] The information about current water consumption can also include information about the water temperature, and the summary can take this temperature into account so that the definable consumption limit can also be interpreted as an equivalent for energy consumption during showering. Otherwise, the haptic feedback pulse might be given later if a user uses colder water for showering than a user who uses warmer water with the same system.

[0064] The control unit can incorporate any known microcontroller and also include connectivity options such as wireless connections, e.g., Bluetooth. These connectivity options allow the control unit to be integrated with other components, such as the smart shower head mentioned earlier, which transmits information about water consumption, including water temperature, via Bluetooth signals.

[0065] Finally, the system could include an external display unit as an additional feedback tool for the user, providing more detailed information. This could further increase awareness of the environmental impact of showering.

[0066] Furthermore, this display unit, which can be designed as an LED puck, can also be used as an additional design element in a shower system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Several features and advantages of the present invention can be more easily understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a shower system with a shower, a solenoid valve, a control unit and a display unit; Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of the most important programmatic steps of the control unit. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic drawing of another system for reducing water consumption using two parallel solenoid valves. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows an intelligent shower unit 10, which has a hand shower head 12 connected to a water supply 16 via a water flow path 14. Here, the water path 14 is a shower hose 18 that connects the hand shower head 12 to a sanitary fitting 20, but any other sanitary fitting 10 with a water outlet is equally conceivable.

[0069] The shower device 10 further comprises a solenoid valve 22 as a controllable flow limiter 22, which is arranged in the water flow path 14. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 22 is a bistable valve.

[0070] The controllable flow limiter 22 is controlled by an electronic control unit 24, which is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 22 via a cable 26.

[0071] The control unit 24 contains several electronic components: - A microcontroller board 28, which could be an “ESP32 Feather” with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities for wireless communication and control. - A motor driver circuit 30, which could be an “MX1508 H-bridge”, that enables the control of the current flow direction to actuate the solenoid valve 22. - Two voltage regulators 32, which ensure a stable operating voltage for the electronics. - A battery 34 that supplies power to the control unit 24.

[0072] The shower unit 10 also includes a user interface 36, which is connected to the control unit 24 via a communication channel 38. The communication channel 38 is a Bluetooth connection to the control unit 24.

[0073] The user interface 36 includes an LED strip 40 and a selector switch 42 for basic interaction with the user of the shower system 10. However, the control unit 24 can also communicate with a mobile device such as a smartphone (not shown) via a wireless Bluetooth connection.

[0074] The selector switch 42, for example, is used to choose between different preset consumption limit modes, such as total water consumption, total energy consumption or a target consumption as an achievable goal.

[0075] The hand shower head 12 is intelligent in that it includes electronics for collecting information about the current water consumption of the shower system 10. This information is transmitted to the control unit 24 via Bluetooth Low Energy datagrams, represented as a dashed line 44.

[0076] Referring to the flowchart in Fig. 2. The shower system 10 works as follows: First, the user selects the desired predefined operating mode (S1) by turning the selector switch 42. The mode selection is indicated by corresponding LED signals on the LED strip 40.

[0077] The user then turns on the water supply (S2) via the sanitary fitting 20 as usual. The control unit 10 then begins to receive BLE messages from the smart hand shower head 12 in a loop (L3).

[0078] When a BLE message is received, the control unit 24 extracts the information on current water consumption (S4).

[0079] If water consumption has increased from one BLE message to the next, the control unit 24 signals the increase via the LED strip 40 (S5). Otherwise, if water consumption stagnates for a certain period, the control unit resets the cumulative water consumption, as the system assumes that the showering process has been completed by the user.

[0080] When a consumption limit is reached (S6), i.e. when a certain threshold is reached, the control unit 24 activates the solenoid valve 22 to briefly close the water flow path 14, thereby generating a pulse (S7) in the shower jet exiting the shower head 12.

[0081] This gives the user immediate haptic feedback when water consumption has reached a certain limit.

[0082] Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 3 shown, where identical or equivalent components have identical reference numerals as in Fig. are marked with 1.

[0083] In this embodiment, a system 10 is provided which can be installed, for example, in a connecting line of a shower head, for example in front of a rain shower (not shown).

[0084] Here, the water flow path comprises two parallel branches 14a and 14b, each containing a solenoid valve 22a and 22b.

[0085] Here too, a control unit 10 is provided, which in this embodiment includes further special electronic components that, however, offer analogous functionality to the components of the embodiment mentioned above. Here, the microcontroller 28 is an "Arduino Nano" with an "HC 05 BLT module" for Bluetooth communication. Furthermore, the motor driver 26 is an "L298N H-bridge".

[0086] In this embodiment, user interaction takes place via a Bluetooth remote control 50, for example to set the definable consumption limit of the control unit 24 or to select operating modes.

[0087] The second embodiment works as follows: An electrically operated system is shown here. The shower process is started by the user via remote control 50, e.g., via touchless sensors. The control unit 24 then opens both solenoid valves 22a and 22b in both water flow paths 14a and 14b. In addition, the control unit 10 starts a timer and thereby collects information about the current water consumption.

[0088] When the definable consumption limit is reached, the control unit 24 closes one of the solenoid valves 22a for a pulse length, thereby reducing the water flow to the amount provided by the other water flow branch 14b.

[0089] This allows a medium level of water flow to be provided during the feedback pulse, which is a gentler reminder for the user who enjoys the feeling of well-being under the rain shower. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 039 272 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for reducing water consumption in a sanitary installation (10), in particular a shower, comprising the following steps: a) Providing a controllable flow restrictor (22; 22a, 22b) in a first water flow path (14; 14a, 14b); b) Providing a control unit (24) that controls the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b); c) Collecting information about the current water consumption of the sanitary installation (10) via the control unit (24), wherein the control unit (24) sums the current water consumption to a total water consumption and compares the total water consumption with a definable consumption limit; characterized by , that d) as soon as the total water consumption reaches the definable consumption limit, the control unit (24) gives a user of the sanitary installation (10) haptic feedback by controlling the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) so that a water flow through the water flow path (14; 14a, 14b) is pulsed with one or more pulses, in particular with a pulse length between 10 ms and 5 seconds. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more pulses includes a reduction of the water flow to zero. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more pulses comprises a reduction of the water flow to an intermediate value between zero and a normal flow rate. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more pulses comprises an increase in water flow beyond a normal flow rate. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more pulses comprises a temperature drop. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) is a controllable valve, in particular a solenoid valve. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second water flow path (14b) is provided which bypasses the controllable flow limiter (22a) arranged in the first water flow path (14a). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein a second controllable flow limiter (22b) is arranged in the second water flow path (22b). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined flow limit is set in the first water flow path, in particular by using a fixed flow limiter. [10] Method according to claim 9 in combination with claim 7 or 8, wherein the second flow restrictor (22b) is used to open and close a base water flow and the first flow restrictor (22a) is used to open and close an additional water flow, such that the additional water flow is pulsed when the definable consumption limit is reached. [11] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit resets the total water consumption if the current water consumption remains at zero for a specified period. [12] System for reducing water consumption in a sanitary facility (10), in particular in a shower, with a) a controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) in a first water flow path (14; 14a, 14b), b) a control unit (24) that controls the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b), c) wherein the control unit (24) is configured to record information about the current water consumption of the sanitary installation (10), to sum the current water consumption to a total water consumption and to compare the total water consumption with a definable consumption limit, characterized by , that d) the control unit (24) is configured to control the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) in such a way that a water flow through the water flow path is pulsed with one or more pulses, in particular with a pulse length between 10 ms and 3 seconds, as soon as the total water consumption reaches the definable consumption limit, thereby providing haptic feedback to a user of the sanitary installation (10). [13] System according to claim 12, wherein the controllable flow limiter is part of a sanitary fitting (20), in particular a shower mixer tap. [14] System according to claim 12, wherein the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) is arranged in a hot water supply line and / or a cold water supply line to a sanitary installation (20), in particular to a shower fitting. [15] System according to claim 12, wherein the controllable flow limiter (22; 22a, 22b) is arranged downstream of a sanitary fitting (20), in particular in a shower hose (18), in a shower head (12), in a connecting line of a shower head and / or as an adapter between these components.

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