Adaptive Urinal Flushing Control via Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic urinal flushing systems in public places consume excessive water and often trigger rinsing inadvertently due to detection of individuals nearby, failing to adapt to varying usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sequential control microcontroller that manages rinsing cycles based on user presence, including a short rinse upon user entry, a long rinse after a predetermined time if no new user is detected, and a periodic rinse after extended non-use, utilizing a solenoid valve and presence detector to optimize water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant cycle flushing system is used with presence detection, then hygiene is improved and water consumption is reduced compared to manual valves, but water consumption remains too high depending on usage and inadvertent triggering occurs when persons are detected nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant cycle flushing system to a multi-stage adaptive system that dynamically adjusts flushing behavior based on usage patterns. The system evolves through different states (short rinse, long rinse, periodic rinse) depending on detected usage intensity, making the flushing behavior flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the flushing duration and frequency parameters based on detected usage conditions. The system changes the duration parameter (short vs long rinse) and frequency parameter (immediate vs periodic flushing) according to the intensity of usage detected, optimizing water consumption while maintaining hygiene.
2Reliability
If frequent rinsing is performed to ensure thorough cleaning, then hygiene is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a short rinse (5-15 seconds) as a partial cleaning action for frequent usage scenarios. This partial rinsing is sufficient for maintaining hygiene during high-traffic periods while consuming significantly less water than a complete long rinse, addressing the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling long rinses (30-60 seconds) only at intervals determined by usage detection. Instead of continuous or frequent long rinsing, the system performs thorough cleaning periodically based on actual usage patterns, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness when needed.
3Loss of substance
If presence detection is used to trigger flushing, then water consumption is reduced, but inadvertent triggering occurs when persons are detected in the vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a detection phase before triggering any flush. The system first detects presence and determines usage intensity (light vs heavy usage) before committing to a flush action. This preliminary detection and classification step prevents inadvertent triggering by ensuring that detection is followed by verification of actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring presence detection signals and using this information to adjust flushing behavior. The system receives feedback from the presence detector and modifies its output (flushing duration and frequency) based on the detected usage pattern, preventing inadvertent triggers while maintaining appropriate response to actual usage.
4Loss of substance
If multiple rinsing stages are implemented to optimize water usage, then water consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flushing operation into distinct stages (short rinse and long rinse) with specific duration ranges. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate flushing intensity based on usage detection, optimizing water consumption. The segmentation is implemented through a microcontroller that manages the different stages, balancing complexity with water savings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces water consumption by adapting rinsing durations to usage patterns, ensuring thorough cleaning while minimizing unnecessary water use, and preventing urinal siphon clogging and odor buildup.
Implementation Method 1
detection of the presence or absence of a user by means of a presence detector
Implementation Method 2
a control microcontroller connected to a solenoid valve in order to execute the rinsing process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves detecting the presence of a user (100), and triggering rinsing of a urinal after departure of the user (102), where the rinsing of the urinal is carried out systematically and immediately for a short rinsing duration (T1) after the departure of the user. Another rinsing operation of the urinal is carried out (106) for a long rinsing duration (T3) after a predetermined time (T2) when no other user is detected during the predetermined time, where the predetermined time is between 20 and 30 seconds. An independent claim is also included for a device for electronic controlled rinsing of a urinal.