Pre-Plumbed Lavatory Head Layout for Easier Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lavatory systems are difficult to install and service due to components being located below the basin, requiring awkward access and increased labor for installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Relocating electronics and plumbing components to an enclosed head above the basin, along with mechanical improvements such as converting sensing protocols to 'on demand' and designing the frame and housing for easier installation, allowing single-person installation and simplified servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are located below the basin in the cabinet base, then installation follows conventional procedures, but servicing becomes difficult due to access panels and support framing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional location of serviceable components by moving solenoid valves, sensors, and shut-off mechanisms from the cabinet base below the basin to the head assembly above the basin. This inversion allows service personnel to access and service components from above rather than working from below the basin, eliminating the need to remove access panels and navigate around support framing.
2Ease of manufacture
If solenoid valves are located below the basin, then plumbing connections are conventional, but adjustment and servicing require awkward access from below with multiple hands
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valves are relocated from their conventional position below the basin to the head assembly above the basin. This allows the installer to adjust sensor range and service valves while standing upright with easy hand access, rather than working from knees with one hand in the basin and the other on the control.
3Ease of repair
If electronics and plumbing components are relocated to the head above the basin, then servicing becomes simpler with direct access, but installation requires reconfiguring traditional layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solenoid valves, sensors, shut-off mechanisms, and electronic controls into a single integrated head assembly. This consolidation means all serviceable components are located together in one accessible location above the basin, simplifying servicing procedures. The factory pre-assembly of these components reduces installation complexity despite the location change.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valves and electronic components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in the head assembly during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that during installation, the components are already in their correct locations and orientations, reducing the complexity of on-site reconfiguration and setup.
4Extent of automation
If body bounce sensing protocol is used, then automatic activation is simple, but water flows when users merely walk past or stop at the lavatory
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system uses feedback from detecting actual hand presence at the lavatory rather than merely body motion. The system distinguishes between passive presence (walking past or standing nearby) and active intent (hands positioned for washing), activating water flow only when hands are detected in the appropriate zone. This feedback mechanism prevents water waste while maintaining automatic activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lavatory system has a cabinet including a base, a basin and a head extending above the basin. A water outlet/sensor is mounted in the head. A water supply line is connected to the water outlet. A solenoid valve in the water supply line controls the flow of water through the water supply line. A circuit board sends electrical signals to the solenoid valve for opening and closing the valve upon receipt of indications from a sensor as to whether a user hands is present or not. The solenoid valve, shut off valve, circuit board and sensor are mounted in the head with a sloped surface towards the basin. A manual shutoff valve mounted in the head is included in the supply line.