Faucet comprising integrated detection mechanisms and methods of making and using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are prevalent due to inadequate hand hygiene and the presence of harmful bacteria like legionella in water systems, which are not effectively mitigated by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A faucet with integrated detection mechanisms, including a timing sensor to ensure proper hand washing duration, thermal sensors to monitor water temperature, and protein sensors to detect legionella, along with visual and auditory feedback, to promote effective hand hygiene and monitor water quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a timer is integrated into the faucet to ensure proper hand washing duration, then hand hygiene effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timer, temperature sensor, and bacterial detection sensor into a single integrated faucet unit. The control module coordinates all these functions within one device, allowing the faucet to automatically time hand washing duration, monitor water temperature, and detect bacterial presence, thereby improving hand hygiene effectiveness while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a water dispensing device, a timer for hand washing duration, a temperature monitor, and a bacterial detection system. This multi-functionality allows one device to address various aspects of hand hygiene and water safety, reducing the need for separate devices.
2Reliability
If thermal sensors and protein sensors are integrated to detect legionella, then water quality monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal sensors for temperature detection and protein sensors for bacterial detection into the same faucet unit. The control module processes signals from both sensor types, enabling the faucet to monitor water temperature and detect legionella bacteria simultaneously, thereby improving water quality monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control module receives data from thermal sensors and protein sensors, processes this information, and provides real-time monitoring of water quality conditions. This feedback system allows the faucet to alert users or automatically adjust operations based on detected temperature and bacterial presence.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple sensors are initiated by user presence detection, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet uses a timing sensor to detect user approach or presence before activating the water flow and other functions. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for operation, activate sensors at the appropriate moment, and ensure that hand washing begins only when the user is ready, improving energy efficiency by avoiding premature activation.
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 faucet ensures users wash their hands for the recommended time, reduces the incidence of legionella-related illnesses by tracking water temperature and bacterial presence, and provides real-time feedback to improve hand hygiene practices.
Implementation Method 1
the faucet further includes one or more thermal sensors configured to detect the temperature of water passing through the interior passageway of the neck
Implementation Method 2
the faucet includes a visible light fluorescence spectrometer element configured to illuminate the area below the faucet output with blue visible light, thereby illuminating one or more microbial contaminants on an object positioned below the faucet output
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a faucet that includes one or more integrated detection mechanisms to decrease or eliminate the incidence of healthcare associated infections. Specifically, the disclosed faucet a includes timing sensor that is activated by the user to ensure that the user washes their hands for the appropriate amount of time. The faucet further includes a thermal sensor positioned within the interior of the faucet neck that detects the temperature of the water flowing through the faucet. Optionally, the faucet can include an additional internal sensor that the detects the presence of one or more harmful proteins. In this way, the faucet promotes efficient hand washing techniques, as well as provides information on the condition of the water to track harmful bacteria (e.g., legionella) growth.