Wash device, system and method for carrying out hygienic washes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic hygiene flushing systems for drinking water systems are complex to install and uninstall, unsuitable for temporary use, and cannot effectively flush water in pipes of unoccupied buildings or rooms, leading to potential contamination risks, especially from legionella and pseudomonads.

Innovation Solution

A mobile flushing device with temperature and pressure sensors that detects anomalies in temperature and pressure profiles to adjust flushing duration and detect leaks or damage, featuring a bistable valve and emergency energy supply for safe operation, allowing for easy installation and use in various settings, including showers and tubs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a concealed flushing device is permanently installed in a pipeline system, then automatic hygiene flushing can be carried out, but the device becomes unsuitable for temporary or short-term use and requires complex installation by specialists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic hygiene flushing capabilityVSAvoidsuitability for temporary use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing device is divided into separate functional modules: a valve assembly with inlet and outlet sockets that can be detached, and a drain body assembly with odor trap that connects to the sewage network. This segmentation allows the valve assembly to be easily installed and removed from different water lines without permanent modification to the pipeline system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static permanently-installed system to a dynamic removable system. The valve assembly can be dynamically connected or disconnected from water lines and the drain body assembly can be dynamically connected or disconnected from the sewage network, enabling temporary deployment in hotels, holiday homes, and other facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If flushing devices are connected to sewage or disposal lines with siphons or odor traps, then hygiene flushing can be performed, but the device structure becomes relatively complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene flushing functionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The odor trap function is merged directly into the drain body assembly, eliminating the need for separate siphon components. The outlet spigot terminates in the drain body assembly forming an integrated odor trap, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the hygiene flushing function and preventing odors from the sewage network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If known flushing devices are installed in building pipeline systems, then hygiene flushing can be carried out, but they cannot be used on tubs or showers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene flushing capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to tubs and showers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing device is designed with universal applicability through detachable valve assembly and outlet sockets that can connect to various water sources including showerheads, tub faucets, and traditional water lines. The portable design with flexible hose allows the same device to be used across multiple locations and fixture types without requiring location-specific installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3835495B1Wash device, system and method for carrying out hygienic washes
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 ANDRES RICO
  • EP3835495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3835495B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system, a flushing device, and a method for automatically performing hygienic flushing in a drinking water system are proposed. The flushing device preferably has several sensors. Preferably, the flushing device is fluidically connected, or connectable, to an outlet fitting. Furthermore, the use of a flushing device is proposed.