Integrated Lavatory Fixture for Mess-Free Hand Washing and Drying
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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 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 and efficient hand washing and drying experience without the need for additional 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 separate fixtures (soap dispenser, faucet, hand dryer) into a single integrated fixture mounted over the basin. The fixture includes a soap dispensing outlet, a water outlet with faucet, and a hand dryer outlet, all integrated into one structure that occupies minimal space and eliminates the need for users to move between separate stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: dispensing soap, providing running water, and drying hands. This multi-functional design allows a single fixture to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate fixtures, thereby reducing the space required per user while maintaining all necessary handwashing and drying capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If separate stations are used for washing and drying hands, then each function can be optimized independently, but users must move between stations causing excess soap and water to drip on the deck or floor
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hand washing and hand drying functions into a single fixture location, the patent eliminates the need for users to move their hands between separate stations. The hands remain in the same general area under the integrated fixture throughout the entire process, preventing excess water and soap from dripping onto the deck or floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand dryer outlet is positioned to provide drying air directly over the basin area where hands are washed. This preliminary positioning of the drying function before hands leave the basin area ensures that water is removed from hands while they are still over the basin, preventing drips from occurring during movement to a separate dryer station.
3Ease of operation
If a drying station is added to the wash basin, then the entire hand washing and drying process can be completed without moving away from the basin, but the basin size and fixture complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fixture is segmented into distinct functional components: a soap dispensing outlet, a water outlet with faucet, and a hand dryer outlet. Each component is separately controllable and positioned within the single fixture structure. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently while being housed in a unified structure that does not excessively increase in size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that combines soap dispensing, water delivery, and hand drying capabilities. By creating a single fixture that performs all three functions, the patent avoids the complexity of installing and coordinating multiple separate fixtures, while the modular integration keeps the overall structure manageable in size and complexity.
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 solution provides a compact and user-friendly lavatory system that minimizes mess and space requirements by integrating all necessary functions into a single fixture, ensuring efficient hand washing and drying without the need for separate stations.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly
Implementation Method 2
an air flow is provided to dry the hands after washing
Data Source
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 be 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.