System, method, and apparatus for optimizing a timing of a flush valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flush valves in restroom systems experience wear and maintenance issues, leading to inconsistent water usage and increased costs, especially in high-traffic areas, due to wear and variations in water pressure, and existing technologies fail to efficiently adjust for demand.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that detects the number of mobile devices in a restroom area using network devices and processors to adjust the flush time of flush valves, reducing water usage when demand is high by adjusting the flush time based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the flush valve operates with a fixed flush time, then the valve structure is simple and easy to operate, but water usage becomes inconsistent and increases due to valve wear and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The flush valve system dynamically adjusts the flush time based on detected water pressure conditions. The controller modifies the flush duration in real-time according to pressure variations, transforming a static fixed-time operation into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes water usage while maintaining flushing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor water pressure and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the flush valve operation to maintain consistent water usage despite pressure fluctuations or valve wear, creating a closed-loop control system that actively compensates for degradation.
2Reliability
If the flush valve provides a larger amount of water per flush to compensate for wear, then flushing effectiveness is maintained, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the flush valve by adjusting flush time based on detected pressure conditions. Rather than increasing water volume to compensate for wear, the system optimizes the duration of the flush event, maintaining effectiveness through parameter optimization rather than increased resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to automatically adjust flush parameters. This substitution enables precise, dynamic control of flush timing without manual intervention, optimizing water usage while maintaining flushing performance despite valve wear.
3Productivity
If multiple flush valves operate simultaneously in high-traffic areas, then user demand is met, but water pressure drops and limits additional flushes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of water pressure conditions and adjusts flush valve operation accordingly. By detecting pressure drops caused by simultaneous usage and responding with extended flush cycles or staggered operation, the system maintains service capacity while adapting to dynamic pressure conditions in high-traffic restrooms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting a timing of at least one flush valve based on demand is provided. The system includes a plurality of flush valves arranged in at least one restroom. The system also includes a network device configured to receive wireless signals, and at least one processor in communication with the network device and the plurality of flush valves, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: detect, based on wireless signals received by the network device, a number of mobile devices in the area; determine whether the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds at least one predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that the number of mobile devices in the area meets or exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold, adjusting the flush time of each of the plurality of flush valves to an adjusted flush time.