Drain diverted dirty water and continuously circulated clean water system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water conservation systems in public restrooms, such as automatic faucets, suffer from inaccuracies in water flow control, leading to waste and inconvenience, and require batteries or power sources that can fail, while self-closing faucets are hygienically unsound and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A water delivery system that continuously recirculates clean water, diverting only contaminated water to a drain without the need for sensors, using a circulation pump and valve system that can be powered by a single pump for multiple faucets, enhancing hygiene and reducing water waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic faucets with sensors and switched valves are used to conserve water, then water flow control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional components requiring power and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the sensor and switched valve components from the automatic faucet system. Instead of using electronic sensing and switching mechanisms, the patent employs a simple mechanical float valve that automatically controls water flow based on water level, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining water conservation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve mechanism is self-regulating and does not require external power sources or electronic control. The system automatically senses water level and adjusts flow accordingly through pure mechanical action, eliminating the need for batteries, sensors, or complex electronics that require maintenance
2Loss of substance
If automatic faucets with sensors are used to terminate water flow when hands are removed, then water conservation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates causing premature flow termination or continuous running
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electronic sensor-based detection with a mechanical float valve system. The float mechanically responds to water level changes in the sink, providing reliable and accurate flow control without the precision errors inherent in electronic sensors. This mechanical substitution eliminates issues with sensor calibration, battery failure, and electronic component degradation
3Loss of substance
If self-closing faucets with mechanical timing mechanisms are used to automatically close, then water conservation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as mechanisms fail and timing becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve is a simple, inexpensive mechanical component with no moving parts that can fail. Unlike complex timing mechanisms in self-closing faucets, the float valve provides consistent, reliable operation throughout its service life. The simplicity of the design means there are no motors, gears, or electronic timers that can wear out or malfunction
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve automatically regulates water flow based on sink water level without requiring any external power source or complex control system. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the reliability issues associated with powered timing mechanisms while maintaining effective water conservation
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
This solution effectively conserves water, reduces germ spread, aids users with disabilities, and decreases scalding risks, while providing improved sanitation and decorative features through recirculation and optional treatments like ozone and UV.
Implementation Method 1
A circulation pump continuously moves the water from the inlet, which can be combined with source water, to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a water delivery system that continuously recirculates clean water, diverting only contaminated water to a drain
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6C
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present disclosure is a water delivery system that continuously flows and recirculates clean water, diverting only water that has touched a user's hands. No sensing is required to activate the water flow and the actions of the user effectively divert the dirty water to a drain. The water delivery system comprises a clean water outlet, a clean water inlet, a dirty water drain, and a circulation pump. A stream of water continuously flows from the outlet and is received by the water inlet if the stream is uninterrupted. If the stream is disturbed, such as by the hand washing activities of the user, the stream is diverted from the inlet and instead falls into a sink and into the drain.