Lavatory Basin Side Rinsing With Controlled Nozzle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lavatory basins often have difficulty in effectively rinsing and disinfecting the sides due to substances like hair clippings and toothpaste left behind, making manual cleaning inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rinsing system with individually controlled nozzles on multiple sides of the basin, integrated water treatment infusers, and a controller that manages water flow patterns and treatment additives like ozone or electrolyzed water to automate the rinsing and disinfecting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual washing is used to clean the sides of the basin, then the user can remove substances, but it requires manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning through automated nozzles that spray water onto the basin sides. The controller automatically activates the nozzles after detecting basin usage, allowing the basin to clean itself without manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating manual effort while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary rinsing action by spraying water onto the basin sides immediately after usage is detected. This preliminary action prevents substances from drying and adhering strongly to the surface, making subsequent cleaning easier and faster, thus reducing both manual effort and time required.
2Extent of automation
If automated rinsing systems are installed to clean basin sides automatically, then manual effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated rinsing system is segmented into independent functional modules: detection module (weight sensor), control module (controller), and execution module (nozzles with water supply). Each module performs a specific function and can be independently installed or maintained. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles serve multiple functions: they can spray water for rinsing, adjust spray patterns for different cleaning needs, and work with or without chemical additives. The controller can manage various spray modes and timing. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple potential components into a single versatile system, reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If water is sprayed directly onto basin sides to remove substances, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are positioned to spray water locally and directly onto the basin sides where substances are present, rather than flooding the entire basin. The spray is targeted at specific areas needing cleaning, improving water utilization efficiency. This local application maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall water consumption compared to general flooding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or pulsed spray action rather than continuous spraying. The controller activates the nozzles for specific time intervals after detecting usage, providing sufficient cleaning effect while minimizing water consumption. This periodic operation maintains reliability by ensuring adequate rinsing occurs without excessive water use throughout the entire day.
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 efficiently cleans and disinfects the basin sides automatically, ensuring thorough removal of residues and maintaining hygiene without manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
A rinsing system for a lavatory includes at least one tube positioned to provide rinsing water to at least a first side of the basin
Implementation Method 2
integrated water treatment infusers, and a controller that manages water flow patterns and treatment additives like ozone or electrolyzed water
Implementation Method 3
treatment additives like ozone or electrolyzed water
Data Source
AI summary
A rinsing lavatory includes a basin, at least one tube, and at least one valve. The basin includes at least a first side and a second side. The at least one tube connects a water supply to a first plurality of nozzles on the first side of the basin and a second plurality of nozzles on a second side of the basin. The at least one valve is configured to open the first plurality of nozzles or the second plurality of nozzles to provide rinsing water to the first side of the basin or the second side of the basin in response to an input signal.