Gravity-Fed Water Recovery Container for Washbasin Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet containers rely on electric or manual mechanisms to recover washbasin water, which can be inefficient and costly, and lack a simple, effective mechanism for water collection.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic container with a drain hole and side holes, combined with a plastic vat divided into two compartments, uses gravity to collect washbasin water without mechanical aids, utilizing a ballcock and filter system for control and flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric or manual mechanisms are used to recover washbasin water, then water recovery can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity as the driving force for water recovery, eliminating the need for electric pumps or manual operation. Water flows automatically from the washbasin through the filter and into the storage container, making the system self-operating and mechanically simple while maintaining reliable water recovery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electrical water transfer mechanisms with a passive gravity-based flow system. The water recovery process relies on gravitational potential energy difference between the washbasin and storage container, substituting active mechanical systems with a passive physical field-based system
2Device complexity
If a simple gravity-based system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but water collection efficiency may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water collection process into distinct functional segments: a washbasin for water collection, a filter element for water purification, a siphon tube for controlled water transfer, and a storage container for recovered water. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components to enhance water collection efficiency without adding mechanical complexity. The filter element acts as an intermediary to purify water during transfer, and the siphon tube serves as an intermediary mechanism to control and optimize water flow from the washbasin to the storage container, maximizing gravitational flow efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If the container size is increased to collect more water, then water recovery volume increases, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is nested within the storage container, and the siphon tube is positioned to utilize the vertical space between the washbasin and container. This nesting arrangement allows the system to maximize water storage volume while minimizing the horizontal footprint and installation space requirements
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
Efficient and cost-effective collection of washbasin water for toilet use, ensuring seamless integration and easy maintenance without the need for electric or manual mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the water falls in a container by her own weigh without any mechanism
Implementation Method 2
inside the vat in that connection, there is a filter in order to keep free the drain hole
Implementation Method 3
in it there is installed a ballcock in order to cut the filling of the glass
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A water recovery container device comprising a ceramic container, wherein there is a plastic vat inside of the ceramic container, wherein the plastic vat is divided into two compartments, water used in a washbasin falls due to its own weight into a bigger compartment of the two compartments, wherein in the bigger compartment there is an overflow tube keeping a water level in the bigger compartment, wherein there is space between the bottom of the plastic vat and the ceramic container in order to drain the compartments and the tube, wherein a drain hole of the ceramic container leads water toward the toilet, wherein there are drain holes in the compartments, wherein a ballcock closes regulates water coming into the smaller compartment, wherein a filter filters water coming from the washbasin, wherein a cover is divided in two equal parts in order to allow cleaning of the filter, wherein there is a plug switch and oval holes having a screw installed therein to hold the container at a toilet.