Modular Emergency Eyewash With Tactile Guidance and Tempered Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency eyewash and shower systems are complex, requiring professional installation and maintenance, which can lead to delays and increased costs due to the need for 'lock out' and 'tag out' procedures, and often fail to provide adequate flow or tactile guidance for users, especially those with impaired vision or in transportable settings.

Innovation Solution

The development of a modular, transportable, and wheelchair-accessible emergency eyewash system with tactile features, quick-connect fittings, and a thermostatically controlled valve to ensure easy maintenance and operation, providing a consistent water flow and orientation for users, even in emergency situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex flow systems are used in emergency eyewash basins, then the system can provide controlled water flow, but professional installation and maintenance are required, increasing system complexity and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow controlVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eyewash system is divided into modular components including a removable nozzle assembly, basin, and quick-connect fittings that allow independent replacement and maintenance of each component without affecting the entire system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates user-friendly features such as intuitive tactile markers, automatic flow activation, and self-diagnostic capabilities that enable end-users to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting without professional assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If professional maintenance is required for emergency wash sites, then the system can maintain proper operation, but lock out and tag out procedures are needed, increasing maintenance time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operationVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle assembly is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be quickly swapped out without complex disassembly, reducing maintenance time and professional service requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If circular basins are used in emergency eyewash systems, then the design is simple and easy to manufacture, but users with impaired vision cannot easily locate and align with the nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasin designVSAvoiduser alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The basin is designed with asymmetric tactile markers including raised bumps, ridges, or textured zones positioned at specific locations to provide directional guidance, while the overall circular shape is maintained for manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Tactile markers serve as intermediary elements between the user and the nozzle system, providing sensory feedback that guides users with impaired vision to the correct positioning without complicating the basin structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If transportable emergency wash systems are used, then the system can be moved to different locations, but protection from damage during transport and vibration exposure is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidprotection from damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pre-installed vibration isolation mounts, shock-absorbing elements, and secured mounting points that are prepared in advance to protect sensitive components during transport and vibration exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Vibration isolation elements and shock-absorbing materials are pre-positioned between sensitive electronic or mechanical components and the transport container walls to cushion against anticipated damage during handling and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution allows for rapid and effective emergency washing without the need for professional maintenance, ensures adequate water flow, and provides tactile guidance for users, enhancing safety and reducing downtime and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a thermostatically controlled valve to ensure easy maintenance and operation, providing a consistent water flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermostatic control:

Implementation Method 2

a flow regulator that maintains a constant flow despite variations in inlet pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure compensation:

Data Source

PatentUS10973737B2Emergency wash system

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 MAGARL LLC

AI summary

Apparatus and method for providing tempered water to an emergency wash system. Various embodiments include simple, reliable, low-cost flow regulators to reliably provide adequate emergency wash flows. Yet other embodiments include one or more features that consider the special needs of a person temporarily blinded, and include those persons having disabilities.