Apparatus, system and method for connecting to, monitoring and controlling bodily waste receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems for bodily waste receptacles lack efficient control and data collection capabilities, leading to unnecessary water consumption and potential malfunctions, particularly in large facilities like stadiums during events.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based controller and sensor system that manages water consumption, detects user presence, and adjusts flush cycles dynamically, allowing for remote monitoring and control through a networked system, enabling data collection and adaptive resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual or automatic flush cycles are used in traditional receptacles, then basic waste management is achieved, but water consumption is excessive and lacks adaptive control
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors that detect user presence and generate signals fed back to the controller, which then activates actuators to control water flow. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptive water management, reducing consumption by up to 50% during peak events while maintaining appropriate flush cycles based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The flush cycle is made dynamic through sensor-based detection of user presence. The system transitions from static predetermined flush cycles to dynamic adaptive cycles that respond to actual usage conditions, allowing water consumption to be optimized based on real-time environmental and usage data
2Loss of information
If traditional water management systems are used, then basic flush functionality is provided, but data collection and remote monitoring capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes sensor signals, controls actuators, collects usage data, communicates with remote systems, and manages power consumption. This multi-functional integration enables comprehensive data collection and remote monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A communication module acts as an intermediary between the local controller and remote monitoring systems. This intermediary component enables data transmission and remote control capabilities while maintaining a clear separation between local sensing/actuation functions and remote management functions
3Productivity
If fixed flush cycles are used, then simple control logic is maintained, but water waste occurs during peak events and false flushes may happen
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor conditions and provide feedback to the controller, which adjusts flush cycle timing based on detected user presence. This feedback mechanism prevents false flushes by confirming actual usage conditions and optimizes water management efficiency by activating flushes only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence before initiating flush cycles. Sensors detect and verify user presence in advance, allowing the controller to prepare appropriate flush responses and avoid false activations, thereby improving both reliability and water management efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for a receptacle suitable for control, data collection, and remote management. An exemplary receptacle may include a basin for receiving at least one viscous element; at least one sensor physically associated with the basin; and at least one actuator responsive to the at least one sensor, wherein actuation of the actuator outputs the viscous element to the basin. The receptacle may further include a controller at least partially physically proximate to the basin and capable of controlling the actuation of the at least one actuator; and a control system communicative with the local controller over at least open data path, wherein the control system imposes a plurality of rules to the controller.