Electronic Drain Closure System With Solar-Powered Self-Contained Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing electronic drains in bathtubs is time and cost-consuming due to the need for a technician or plumber to access the bottom of the bathtub for electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An electronic drain closure system with a self-contained motor, controller, and communication unit, powered by a rechargeable battery and solar panel, which can be remotely controlled and features a liquid sensor to manage power usage, allowing for easy installation and operation without direct access to a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic drain closure system is installed with traditional wiring method, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the traditional centralized wiring system and places a rechargeable battery directly in the drain assembly. This allows the drain to be self-powered without requiring access to the bottom of the bathtub for electrical connections, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solar panel as an intermediary energy harvesting device that charges the battery. This mediator captures solar energy and converts it to electrical energy to charge the battery, providing a sustainable power source that eliminates the need for complex wiring while ensuring reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are integrated into drain assembly, then remote control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical motor, controller, communication unit, and battery into a single integrated drain assembly. This consolidation allows remote control functionality to be achieved while managing complexity through unified design, where all electronic components work together as one system rather than separate entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions: it controls the motor for drain operation, manages battery power levels, monitors liquid presence via sensor, and communicates with remote devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving comprehensive remote control capability.
3Ease of operation
If continuous operation of communication unit is maintained, then remote control responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the communication unit only when needed for remote control operations or when liquid is detected, and deactivates it during idle periods. This periodic operation maintains responsiveness when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption to extend battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid sensor provides feedback to the controller about the presence of liquid in the bathtub. The controller uses this feedback to intelligently activate the communication unit only when liquid is detected and remote control functionality is needed, rather than operating continuously. This feedback-based control optimizes energy usage while maintaining operational responsiveness.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective installation and operation of electronic drains, reducing installation time and costs while providing remote control functionality and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor received in the casing for activating the motion device
Implementation Method 2
a solar panel installed on the casing for recharging the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 3
a liquid sensor for detecting a presence of the liquid adjacent the closure member
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising: a drain fitting securable to a container for containing a liquid and an evacuation drain; and a closure member comprising: a casing; a motion device for moving the casing relative between an open position in which the casing is away from the drain fitting to allow the liquid from flowing from the container into the evacuation drain and a closed position in which the casing abuts against the drain fitting to prevent the liquid from flowing from the container into the evacuation drain; an electrical motor received in the casing for activating the motion device; a communication unit received in the casing for at least receiving a command indicative of one of an opening of the electronic drain closure system and a closure of the electronic drain closure system; and a controller for activating the electrical motor in accordance with the command received by the communication unit.