Greywater Capture System Using Negative Pressure Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing greywater recycling systems require complex plumbing modifications and are costly, limiting their adoption and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained greywater capture and control system that includes an ingress pumping module with a suction line coupling to existing drain ports, allowing for automatic diversion of greywater to a reservoir without modifying existing plumbing, and utilizing IoT technology for monitoring and distribution control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional greywater recycling systems are installed, then greywater can be captured and recycled, but complex plumbing modifications and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the greywater capture function from the existing plumbing system by using a separate, self-contained device that connects to the drain port without requiring integration into the plumbing infrastructure. This allows greywater recycling capability to be achieved while avoiding complex plumbing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an intermediary approach by introducing a standalone capture unit that mediates between the existing drain port and the greywater reservoir. This intermediary device enables greywater capture without requiring direct modification of the plumbing system, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining recycling functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional greywater recycling systems are installed, then greywater can be captured and recycled, but high installation costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the greywater capture function into a separate, self-contained device, the invention eliminates the need for expensive plumbing modifications and professional installation services. The device can be installed by end-users using basic tools, dramatically reducing installation costs while maintaining greywater recycling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed for self-service installation, allowing end-users to install it themselves without requiring professional plumbers or expensive installation services. The self-contained design with simple connections to existing drain ports enables anyone to perform the installation, thereby reducing installation costs while preserving greywater recycling functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a self-contained device is used, then installation is simplified and costs are reduced, but integration with existing plumbing may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by designing a standardized interface that can connect to various types of drain ports (kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers) without requiring customization. This universal design allows the same self-contained device to be installed in multiple locations and configurations, maintaining adaptability while preserving installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the greywater capture function into a separate, modular device that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different plumbing configurations through simple connection variations rather than requiring complex integration, thereby maintaining both installation simplicity and adaptability to different drain port types.
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 greywater recycling by simplifying installation, reducing costs, and allowing for widespread adoption in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, while promoting water conservation and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the ingress pumping module automatically applies negative pressure to the drain port to divert the outflow of the drain port from existing drain plumbing to a greywater reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a greywater capture and control system. In an illustrative example, the greywater capture and control system may, for example, include an ingress pumping module having a suction line. The suction line may, for example, fluidly couple a pump inlet to an existing drain port of a water dispensing appliance. The ingress pumping module may, for example, be configured such that, in response to flow accumulation in the drain port, the ingress pumping module automatically applies negative pressure to the drain port to divert the outflow of the drain port from existing drain plumbing to a greywater reservoir. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a distributed network of local, modular greywater monitoring and control systems.