HF Sensor Urinal Flushing for Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinal systems face challenges in detecting malfunctions, such as obstructions or pressure fluctuations, which can lead to unnecessary water consumption or insufficient cleaning, due to limitations in sensor technology and the inability to accurately diagnose specific causes of delays in flushing processes.
Innovation Solution
A urinal system equipped with HF motion sensors on the bowl and outlet, coupled with a data processing system that evaluates sensor data to detect malfunctions, adapt flushing parameters, and communicate via wireless networks for real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If proximity sensors are used to trigger automatic flush when a user is present, then the urinal can be flushed automatically, but the sensor cannot register whether the person has actually used the urinal, leading to unnecessary flushing and water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional proximity sensors with capacitive sensors that detect changes in capacitance caused by the presence of conductive urine. This substitution allows the system to distinguish between mere proximity (hand washing) and actual urination, triggering flushes only when necessary and reducing water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in capacitance parameters over time to determine urination events. By analyzing the temporal pattern of capacitance changes rather than relying on a single threshold, the system can accurately detect when urine has been deposited and trigger appropriate flushes, avoiding unnecessary water usage.
2Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used to detect urinal usage, then usage can be detected, but malfunctions such as obstruction of the urinal outlet or inlet valve cannot be registered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the capacitive sensor system multi-functional by configuring it to detect both urination events and malfunction conditions. The same sensor can identify normal usage patterns as well as abnormal patterns indicative of obstructions or valve failures, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor continuously monitors capacitance changes and compares them against expected patterns. When deviations from normal usage patterns are detected (such as no capacitance change after a flush or abnormal capacitance levels), the system can identify potential malfunctions and alert for maintenance.
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 system effectively prevents malfunctions by reducing water consumption, ensuring proper cleaning, and enabling timely maintenance through accurate detection and adaptation of flushing processes, thereby improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one HF motion sensor for detecting fluid motion provided on the urinal bowl and/or the urinal outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a urinal system (10), a water consumer system having such a urinal system, and a method for operating a urinal system. A urinal controller (8) of the urinal system has a data processing system (9) and/or is connected to a data processing system (9) which is designed to retrieve and/or receive and computationally evaluate data captured by at least one HF motion sensor (5) provided on a urinal bowl (1) and/or a urinal outlet (4) of the urinal system, and to recognize one of the following malfunctions based on the evaluated data and/or to initiate an action in order to avoid one of the following malfunctions: that the urinal outlet is obstructed, and/or that there is a pressure fluctuation in a wastewater system connected to the urinal system, and/or that a fluid inlet (2) and/or an inlet valve (3) of the urinal system is malfunctioning, and/or that there is a failure of the HF motion sensor, and/or to recognize a predefined urinal usage situation and/or frequency of use on the basis of the evaluated data and, based on this, to adapt an opening time and/or an opening position and/or an opening frequency of the inlet valve to in a subsequent urinal flushing process.