Centralized Clean Water System Automated Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toilets and water-consuming devices in commercial or home environments face issues with scale buildup, odor, and bacterial contamination, leading to undesirable conditions and health risks due to mineral deposits and biofilm formation.
Innovation Solution
A centralized cleaning system with a dual tank distribution system that includes a cleaning compound tank and a reservoir tank, utilizing a metering system to control the release of cleaning compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and other sanitizing agents, into the plumbing system to reduce scale, sanitize, and maintain cleanliness, while allowing users to choose between treated and untreated water options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed regularly, then cleanliness is maintained, but labor time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically dispensing cleaning compounds into the toilet bowl and trapway without requiring manual intervention. The centralized cleaning system with automated dispensing mechanisms allows the toilet to clean itself, eliminating the need for regular manual cleaning while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by continuously or periodically dispensing cleaning compounds before significant buildup occurs. The automated dispensing system releases cleaning agents at scheduled intervals or based on usage detection, preventing scale and biofilm accumulation before it becomes problematic.
2Reliability
If cleaning compounds are continuously dispensed, then cleanliness is improved, but chemical usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by dispensing cleaning compounds at specific intervals rather than continuously. The automated dispensing mechanism releases cleaning agents based on predetermined schedules or triggered by sensor detection of usage patterns, optimizing chemical usage while maintaining effective sanitization levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect toilet usage, water flow, or cleaning compound levels. This feedback information is used by the control system to adjust dispensing rates and timing, ensuring cleaning compounds are applied only when necessary and at optimal concentrations, thereby reducing overall chemical consumption.
3Productivity
If a centralized cleaning system is implemented, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized cleaning system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple cleaning tasks through a single integrated platform. The system can dispense different types of cleaning compounds to different locations (bowl, trapway, external surfaces) and can operate in various modes (preventive cleaning, corrective cleaning, sanitation), thereby achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the cleaning function into separate modular components: a centralized storage tank, distribution piping network, automated dispensing mechanisms at different locations, and control systems. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity, and simplifies installation and maintenance.
4Reliability
If cleaning compounds are applied frequently, then scale buildup is reduced, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical water-based cleaning methods with chemical cleaning compound dispensing. Instead of relying on high-volume water flushing to prevent scale buildup, the system uses chemically active cleaning compounds that are dispensed in controlled amounts, achieving effective scale prevention with minimal water consumption.
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 effectively reduces scale buildup, prevents biofilm formation, sanitizes surfaces, and maintains cleanliness for an extended period without manual intervention, improving user safety and reducing odors, with the ability to go months without manual cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a metering system to control the release of cleaning compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and other sanitizing agents
Implementation Method 2
cleaning compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and other sanitizing agents
Implementation Method 3
The system effectively reduces scale buildup, prevents biofilm formation, sanitizes surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A clean water system includes at least one water tank including water, a plurality of water consuming devices coupled to the water tank, and an automatic dispenser. The automatic dispenser is configured to automatically discharge a predetermined amount of a cleaning compound into water of at least on water tank, wherein the cleaning compound is distributed to the plurality of water consuming devices.