Water contamination indicator assembly

Abstract

A water contamination indicator assembly, comprising a first sensor device comprising one or more source water sensors; a second sensor device comprising one or more drain water sensors; a controller; and an indicator, the assembly configured to compare a cleanliness of inlet source water to a cleanliness of outlet drain water, and to indicate a degree of cleanlines of an item being washed in real-time.

Description

[0001] Water Contamination Indicator Assembly

[0002] The disclosure relates to an assembly configured to monitor and indicate when an item being washed with water is clean, for example an item being washed at a sink with an associated faucet.

[0003] Background

[0004] Handwashing is a fundamental practice in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare environments. Current standards rely on a duration and technique of handwashing to ensure cleanliness. However, this approach does not guarantee the removal of all contaminants and lacks a method for verification of cleanliness. Similarly, the cleaning of surgical instruments is critical to the prevention of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) and Healthcare- Associated Infections (HAI), yet the industry lacks a practical means to confirm the sterility of these tools after washing.

[0005] Existing methods do not provide real-time feedback or detailed analysis of water cleanliness and effectiveness of a washing process. Consequently, there is a significant need for a system that can provide immediate and accurate assessments of cleanliness or suitability, thereby minimizing the risk of infection or contamination due to improper handwashing or instrument sterilization.

[0006] Desired is a system able to provide real-time indication that an item is cleaned of pathogens and other contaminants.

[0007] Summary

[0008] Accordingly, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly, comprising a first sensor device comprising one or more source water sensors; a second sensor device comprising one or more drain water sensors; a controller; and an indicator, wherein the first sensor device is configured to couple to a source water inlet line such that the one or more source water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to couple to a drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with outlet drain water, the controller is in electrical communication with the first sensor device, the second sensor device, and the indicator, the first sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the outlet drain water, the controller is configured to receive the inlet source water cleanliness data from the first sensor device and to receive the outlet drain water cleanliness data from the second sensor device, the controller is configured to determine a water cleanliness difference between the outlet drain water cleanliness data and the inlet source water cleanliness data, the controller is configured to transmit the water cleanliness difference to the indicator, and the indicator is configured to display the water cleanliness difference.

[0009] Also disclosed is the water contamination indicator assembly coupled to a plumbing assembly comprising a faucet and an associated sink, wherein the faucet is coupled to the source water inlet line, the sink is coupled to the drain water outlet line, the first sensor device is coupled to the source water inlet line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with the inlet source water, and the second sensor device is coupled to the drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are in direct contact with the outlet drain water.

[0010] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows a water contamination indicator assembly coupled to a faucet / sink assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0013] Detailed Description

[0014] Fig. 1 provides an illustration of plumbing assembly 100, comprising faucet 101 coupled to sink 102, according to some embodiments. Sink 102 is coupled to drain outlet line 103, configured to direct waste water out to a sewer line. Handles 104c and 104h are configured to receive cold and hot source water from cold source water line 105c and hot source water line 105h, respectively. Handles 104c and 104h are configured to direct cold source water and hot source water, respectively, to faucet 101 , which is configured to direct mixed hot / cold water into sink 102 and through drain outlet line 103. First sensor device 106 is coupled to both cold source water line 104 and hot source water line 105, and sensors positioned therein are in direct contact with cold source water and hot source water. In some embodiments, first sensor device 106 may comprise one or more parallel diverter lines, wherein a small volume of both cold and hot source water is diverted from lines 105c and 105h to directly contact one or more sensors, and is then recombined with lines 105c and 105h. In other embodiments, no diverter lines are present, and source water simply directly contacts one or more sensors.

[0015] Second sensor device 107 is coupled to drain outlet line 103, such that one or more sensors positioned therein are configured to be in direct contact with outlet drain water. First sensor device 106 and second sensor device 107 are electrically coupled to indicator 108 with electric wires 109. Indicator 108 may house a controller (not shown). In other embodiments, one or both of first sensor device 106 and second sensor device 107 may house a controller. Indicator 108 comprises visual display 110. In some embodiments, one or more of first sensor device 106, second sensor device 107, or indicator 108 may comprise a battery to supply power to the sensors, display, and controller.

[0016] An individual may wash an item, for example one’s hands, a food item, a medical instrument, etc., with water directed from faucet 101 . As the individual washes the item, a controller is configured to compare the cleanliness of water exiting through outlet line 103 to the cleanliness of water entering faucet 101 through inlet lines 104 and 105. The controller is configured to direct display 110 to show, in real-time, the comparison, such that one may visually see when one’s hands or other item are clean. For example, if one’s hands are contaminated with pathogens, display 110 will indicate one’s hands are clean when the pathogens are washed off and are therefore no longer passing through outlet 103. Cleanliness of inlet source water is employed as a baseline measurement for real-time analysis.

[0017] A term "cleanliness” as used herein may be interpreted as levels of impurities present in water. Impurities may include pathogens, i.e. bacteria and viruses, metals, dissolved organic or inorganic compounds, suspended particles, and the like. A present water contamination indicator assembly may be employed in a hospital setting for hand washing and / or instrument washing. The present assembly may provide for a reduction in healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs). In some embodiments, present water contamination assemblies may be employed in commercial food processing settings. In other embodiments, present water contamination assemblies may be employed in commercial and / or residential kitchen settings, such that one may wash fruits, vegetables, meats, etc., and see in real-time that they are cleaned.

[0018] A present water contamination indicator assembly is configured to be employed in “realtime” - such that as one washes an item at a sink with source water flowing from a faucet and simultaneously draining from a sink through a drain water outlet line, a person can see immediately a measured cleanliness of an item being washed. A cleanliness of inlet source water is considered as a “baseline” cleanliness. A cleanliness of outlet drain water is compared to the cleanliness of baseline inlet source water. At a point when the cleanliness of outlet drain water approaches and / or matches that of the inlet source water, the item may be determined to be clean - that is “cleaned” of the impurities being detected by the one or more sensors.

[0019] Data collection from flowing inlet source water, data collection from flowing outlet drain water, and display of the water cleanliness difference may be configured to be performed simultaneously, such that a degree of cleanliness of an item being washed with water directed from a faucet into sink may be indicated in real-time.

[0020] In some embodiments, an indicator may comprise a display configured to indicate that an item is clean. A display may for example comprise a needle meter (similar to a speedometer), wherein a certain position of the needle indicates an item is clean. In other embodiments, a display may comprise a light display meter. In yet other embodiments, a display may comprise a series of different color lights, e.g. red, yellow, green. In some embodiments, a display may show a digital relative cleanliness of an item being washed, for instance 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 99.5%, etc. A controller (microcontroller or printed circuit board), is configured to determine a difference in cleanliness properties of inlet source water and outlet drain water, and to direct an indicator to display the cleanliness difference. The cleanliness difference may be displayed visually as outlined above. In other embodiments, an indicator may be configured to display the cleanliness difference audibly, for example with one or more sounds configured to indicate if the item being washed is clean. In some embodiments, a display may comprise a series or an array of displays, for example with one dedicated to showing a presence of pathogens, one dedicated to showing a presence of suspended solids, etc. In some embodiments, an indicator may be positioned on a deck or countertop at which a sink and faucet are positioned. In other embodiments, an indicator may be positioned on a countertop near a sink, on a countertop backsplash, on a wall near a sink, etc.

[0021] In some embodiments, a present water contamination indicator assembly may be very simple to calibrate and check for accuracy. For example, running clean inlet source water from a faucet to a sink and through a drain line, should result in a display indicating clean water. For example, a calibration may comprise running clean inlet source water through a drain line for a specified amount of time (e.g. 1 minute), and checking the display. If the display does not indicate clean outlet drain water, one or more sensors or other component may need to be calibrated or replaced. Calibration may include employing washing a standard soap or detergent through an outlet line in order to simulate the real-time use of a soap or detergent.

[0022] Faucets may be two handle faucets as shown in the figure. In other embodiments, faucets may be single handle faucets, for example single handle faucets associated with a mixing valve. In other embodiments, faucets may be completely automatic faucets associated with a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of a person or item so as to dispense water.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first sensor device may be coupled to only a cold source water inlet line. In other embodiments, a first sensor device may be coupled to only a hot source water inlet line. In some embodiments, a first sensor device may be coupled to both a cold source water inlet line and a hot source water inlet line. In this embodiment, a first sensor device may comprise two sets of one or more sensors, one in contact with a cold source water line and one in contact with a hot source water line.

[0024] In other embodiments, a first sensor device may be positioned downstream of a mixing valve, such that the first sensor device is coupled to a single mixed hot / cold inlet water line. In this embodiment, for example, a mixing valve may be positioned below a deck or countertop on which an associated faucet is placed. In some embodiments, this may be the case with an automatic faucet or a single handle faucet. In some embodiments, a first sensor device may be positioned within a faucet body or faucet spout, such that one or more sensors of the first sensor device are in direct contact with mixed hot / cold water, and may be positioned downstream of any mixing valve.

[0025] A controller is configured to be in electrical communication with a first sensor device, with a second sensor device, and with an indicator. Electrical communication may be wired or may be wireless. A controller may also be in electrical communication with a power source, for instance a battery and / or a wired power connection. A first sensor device, a second sensor device, and an indicator may each be positioned in a housing. In some embodiments, a controller and / or a battery may be positioned in one or more housings associated with a first sensor device, a second sensor device, or an indicator.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise a bioMEMS sensor. A bioMEMS sensor may be configured to detect pathogens, i.e. harmful bacteria and viruses. One or more sensors may comprise a differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) sensor, for example configured to detect lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise a pH sensor, configured to detect acidity or alkalinity. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise an optical sensor, for example configured to detect clarity of water.

[0027] Heavy metal contaminants include for example lead, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, or chromium. Pathogens to be detected may include for example E. coli, listeria, norovirus, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, botulism, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor, configured to detect oxidizing or reducing agents present in water. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor, configured to detect for example organic or inorganic acids or salts. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor, configured to detect dissolved solid contaminants. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise a turbidity sensor, configured to detect suspended particulates. In some embodiments, one or more sensors of a first sensor device and one or more sensors of a second sensor device may be identical, for example configured to detect a same set of contaminants and having a same sensitivity. In other embodiments, one or more sensors of a first sensor device and one or more sensors of a second sensor device may be nonidentical, for example, configured to detect a same set of contaminants, but having a different sensitivity. For instance, one or more sensors of a second sensor device coupled to a drain water outlet line may comprise a greater sensitivity towards detecting contaminants, so as to provide a greater confidence that an item being washed has been cleaned.

[0029] Also disclosed is a present water contamination indicator assembly coupled to a plumbing assembly comprising a faucet and an associated sink. A faucet is coupled to a source water line, a sink is coupled to a drain water outlet line, a first sensor device is coupled to a source water inlet line such that one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with inlet source water, and the second sensor device is coupled to a drain water outlet line such that the one or more drain water sensors are in direct contact with outlet drain water.

[0030] In some embodiments, a present water contamination indiciator assembly may comprise one or more flow sensors. For example one or more of a source water inlet line, a faucet spout, or a drain outlet line may comprise a flow sensor. In some embodiments, a present assembly may be in a default “sleep” or off position, thereby using a minimum of electric power. A controller electrically coupled to a flow sensor, may be configured to activate the sensors and the indicator of the assembly, upon receiving information from a flow sensor that water is flowing and the assembly is being used.

[0031] Some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure are outlined below.

[0032] In a first embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly, comprising a first sensor device comprising one or more source water sensors; a second sensor device comprising one or more drain water sensors; a controller; and an indicator, wherein the first sensor device is configured to couple to a source water inlet line such that the one or more source water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to couple to a drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with outlet drain water, the controller is in electrical communication with the first sensor device, the second sensor device, and the indicator, the first sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the outlet drain water, the controller is configured to receive the inlet source water cleanliness data from the first sensor device and to receive the outlet drain water cleanliness data from the second sensor device, the controller is configured to determine a water cleanliness difference between the outlet drain water cleanliness data and the inlet source water cleanliness data, the controller is configured to transmit the water cleanliness difference to the indicator, and the indicator is configured to display the water cleanliness difference.

[0033] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise one or more sensors selected from bioMEMS sensors, differential pulse voltammetry sensors, pH sensors, optical sensors, oxidation reduction potential sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, total dissolved solids sensors, and turbidity sensors.

[0034] In a third embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device are configured to detect one or more contaminants selected from pathogens, heavy metals, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, dissolved solids, and suspended particles.

[0035] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more source water sensors and the one or more drain water sensors are identical, such that they are configured to detect identical contaminants.

[0036] In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise a bioMEMS sensor configured to detect pathogens.

[0037] In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise a differential pulse voltammetry sensor configured to detect heavy metals and / or organic compounds. In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein data collection from the inlet source water, data collection from the outlet drain water, and display of the water cleanliness difference are configured to be performed simultaneously, such that the degree of cleanliness of an item being washed with water directed from a faucet into sink may be indicated in real-time.

[0038] In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to indicate a degree of hand washing. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to indicate a degree of medical instrument washing. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to indicate a degree of food washing.

[0039] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the water contamination indicator assembly is coupled to a plumbing assembly comprising a faucet and an associated sink, the faucet is coupled to the source water inlet line, the sink is coupled to the drain water outlet line, the first sensor device is coupled to the source water inlet line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with the inlet source water, and the second sensor device is coupled to the drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are in direct contact with the outlet drain water.

[0040] In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with cold source water.

[0041] In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a hot source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot source water. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a hot source water line and a cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot source water and cold source water.

[0042] In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a mixed hot / cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot / cold mixed source water.

[0043] In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein data collection from the inlet source water, data collection from the outlet drain water, and display of the water cleanliness difference are configured to be performed simultaneously, such that the degree of cleanliness of an item being washed with water directed from a faucet into sink is configured to be indicated in realtime.

[0044] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a water contamination indicator assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a flow sensor configured to recognize source water flow, faucet-directed water flow, or drain water flow, and configured to indicate water flow to a controller.

[0045] The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow therethrough and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0046] Likewise, “electrical communication” may mean “electrically coupled”. Electrical communication may be via wired connection or may be wireless.

[0047] The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

[0048] The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

[0049] The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[0050] The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[0051] The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

[0052] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[0053] Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and / or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and / or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Claims

Claims1 . A water contamination indicator assembly, comprising a first sensor device comprising one or more source water sensors; a second sensor device comprising one or more drain water sensors; a controller; and an indicator, wherein the first sensor device is configured to couple to a source water inlet line such that the one or more source water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to couple to a drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are configured to be in direct contact with outlet drain water, the controller is in electrical communication with the first sensor device, the second sensor device, and the indicator, the first sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the inlet source water, the second sensor device is configured to collect water cleanliness data from the outlet drain water, the controller is configured to receive the inlet source water cleanliness data from the first sensor device and to receive the outlet drain water cleanliness data from the second sensor device, the controller is configured to determine a water cleanliness difference between the outlet drain water cleanliness data and the inlet source water cleanliness data, the controller is configured to transmit the water cleanliness difference to the indicator, and the indicator is configured to display the water cleanliness difference.

2. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise one or more sensors selected from bioMEMS sensors, differential pulse voltammetry sensors, pH sensors, optical sensors, oxidationreduction potential sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, total dissolved solids sensors, and turbidity sensors.

3. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device are configured to detect one or more contaminants selected from pathogens, heavy metals, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, dissolved solids, and suspended particles.

4. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more source water sensors and the one or more drain water sensors are identical, such that they are configured to detect identical contaminants.

5. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise a bioMEMS sensor configured to detect pathogens.

6. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device comprise a differential pulse voltammetry sensor configured to detect heavy metals and / or organic compounds.

7. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein data collection from the inlet source water, data collection from the outlet drain water, and display of the water cleanliness difference are configured to be performed simultaneously, such that the degree of cleanliness of an item being washed with water directed from a faucet into sink may be indicated in real-time.

8. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 7, configured to indicate a degree of hand washing.

9. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 7, configured to indicate a degree of medical instrument washing.

10. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 7, configured to indicate a degree of food washing.11 . The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a flow sensor.

12. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the water contamination indicator assembly is coupled to a plumbing assembly comprising a faucet and an associated sink, the faucet is coupled to the source water inlet line, the sink is coupled to the drain water outlet line, the first sensor device is coupled to the source water inlet line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with the inlet source water, and the second sensor device is coupled to the drain water outlet line, such that the one or more drain water sensors are in direct contact with the outlet drain water.

13. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with cold source water.

14. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a hot source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot source water.

15. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a hot source water line and a cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot source water and cold source water.

16. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first sensor device is coupled to a mixed hot / cold source water line, such that the one or more source water sensors are in direct contact with hot / cold mixed source water.

17. The water contamination indicator assembly according to claim 12, wherein data collection from the inlet source water, data collection from the outlet drain water, and display of the water cleanliness difference are configured to be performed simultaneously, such that the degree of cleanliness of an item being washed with water directed from a faucet into sink is configured to be indicated in real-time.

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