Hygiene Apparatus Valve Recirculation for Water Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with reduced autonomous mobility face challenges during bedwashing due to intermittent water delivery, which leads to temperature fluctuations in the washing water, causing discomfort and potentially stimulating intestinal discharges.
Innovation Solution
A personal hygiene apparatus with a support casing, a removable tank for washing water, a grippable washing head, a pump, and a hydraulic circuit with a valve assembly that allows for both working and stand-by operation modes. In stand-by mode, the apparatus recirculates water back to the tank, maintaining its temperature, and in working mode, it delivers water at the same temperature as the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water delivery is interrupted to allow operator to perform other operations, then ease of operation is improved, but water temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous water circulation through the hydraulic circuit, ensuring that water remains in constant motion within the system even during delivery interruptions. This continuous circulation prevents thermal stratification and maintains uniform water temperature in the tank, eliminating the cooling problem that occurs with stationary water during delivery pauses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal mass (the water tank) as an intermediary thermal reservoir. This tank acts as a buffer that maintains water temperature stability, decoupling the delivery interruptions from temperature fluctuations. The large volume of water in the tank serves as a thermal buffer that resists temperature changes even when delivery is interrupted for extended periods.
2Quantity of substance
If large quantity of water is used for washing, then washing quality is improved, but water disposal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a water recovery system where used washing water is collected through the suction device and returned to the tank for reuse. This closed-loop approach allows the same water to be used multiple times for washing, significantly reducing the total quantity of water needed while eliminating the need for complex disposal infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service water management by automatically collecting and recirculating used water through the suction device and hydraulic circuit. The apparatus manages its own water supply and disposal needs without requiring external disposal systems, simplifying the overall water management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If bedwashing is performed to limit patient displacement, then patient safety is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous water delivery enabled by the recirculation system maintains constant patient comfort during washing operations. Since water temperature remains stable even during operational interruptions, the patient experiences consistent comfort conditions throughout the washing process, making bedwashing equally comfortable as bathtub washing while maintaining the safety benefits of limited patient displacement.
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 apparatus ensures continuous water temperature stability during washing, reducing patient discomfort and the risk of intestinal discharges, while also allowing for efficient water management and reduced water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (14), a hydraulic circuit (2), which connects the tank (40), the pump (14) and the washing head (30) with each other
Implementation Method 2
a valve assembly in the hydraulic circuit (2); wherein the apparatus provides for a working operation mode and a stand-by operation mode, where the valve assembly: in the working operation mode, determines in the hydraulic circuit (2) a water supply path from the tank (40), to the pump (14), to the washing head (30)
Implementation Method 3
in the stand-by operation mode, determines in the hydraulic circuit (2) a water recirculation path from the tank (40), to the pump (14), to the washing head (30) and finally back to the tank (40), without water flowing out of the delivery mouth (35)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for personal hygiene of patients with reduced mobility is presented. The apparatus includes a support casing, a housing for accommodating a removable tank, a grippable washing head, a pump, a hydraulic circuit, and a valve assembly. A working operation mode and a standby operation mode are provided. In the working operation mode, the valve assembly determines in the hydraulic circuit a water supply path from the tank, to the pump, to the washing head and finally out of the delivery mouth. In the stand-by operation mode, the valve assembly determines in the hydraulic circuit a water recirculation path from the tank, to the pump, to the washing head and finally back to the tank, without water flowing out of the delivery mouth.