Integrated Lavatory Fixture Layout to Reduce Drips and Save Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lavatory systems require additional space for separate soap dispensers, faucets, and hand dryers, leading to an undesirable mess due to excess soap and water drips when users move between stations during hand washing and drying.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function lavatory fixture that integrates soap, water, and air dispensing capabilities over a single basin, with sensors and visual indicators to guide users and prevent simultaneous air and water dispensing, allowing for a compact installation within existing wash station space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate soap dispensers, faucets, and hand dryers are used, then each function can be performed independently, but additional space per user is required and mess increases due to movement between stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soap dispenser, faucet, and hand dryer into a single integrated fixture mounted over the basin. The fixture includes a soap dispensing outlet, a water dispensing outlet, and an air drying outlet, all positioned to serve the user at one location, eliminating the need for separate stations and reducing the space required per user.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - dispensing soap, dispensing water, and drying hands - all from a single unit. This multi-functional design allows the fixture to replace multiple separate devices, thereby reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining all necessary hand hygiene functions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If soap dispenser is located over the wash basin, then excess soap drips are reduced, but the fixture complexity increases with multiple dispensing components
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the soap dispenser, faucet, and hand dryer into a single integrated fixture, the patent reduces the complexity of having multiple separate devices while maintaining all functions. The unified structure allows all components to be positioned over the basin, minimizing drips on the deck or floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is segmented into distinct functional outlets (soap outlet, water outlet, air outlet) that are positioned separately but integrated within the same structure. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity and reducing harmful drips.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators and sensors are added to guide users, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators that change color or illuminate to guide users on where to position their hands for each function (soap dispensing, water dispensing, hand drying). These visual cues improve ease of operation by providing clear, intuitive guidance without requiring complex controls or user knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture includes sensors that automatically detect when hands are positioned correctly and initiate the appropriate dispensing or drying function without user intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for buttons, switches, or complex user interactions, while the automatic detection keeps the control system relatively simple.
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 hand washing and drying without the need for additional space, reducing mess and improving user experience by providing all necessary functions in a single, space-efficient fixture.
Implementation Method 1
automatic hand washing device which is provided with photoelectric sensors detecting the presence or absence of a hand by emitting light from a light projection part toward a detection area and receiving the reflected light from the hand to the detection area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to he mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water, soap, and air to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet, identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump, fan, valve, and the like to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.