Multi-Function Lavatory Fixture to Reduce Mess and Space per User
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 dripping on the floor when users move between stations during hand washing and drying.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function lavatory fixture that integrates soap and water dispensing features over a basin, with sensors and visual indicators to guide users, and includes an aerator for water dispersion, all housed within a compact design that does not require additional space per user.
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 the space per user increases and mess occurs due to moving between stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soap dispenser, faucet, and hand dryer into a single integrated fixture mounted over the basin. The fixture includes a soap dispensing outlet, a water faucet, and a hand dryer all positioned within close proximity, allowing users to complete the hand washing process without moving between separate stations, thereby reducing space per user and preventing mess from dripping soap and water.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed to perform multiple functions (soap dispensing, water dispensing, and hand drying) within a single unit. This multi-functional design allows the same fixture to serve purposes that traditionally required separate devices, thereby reducing the overall space required per user while maintaining functional independence of each feature.
2Ease of operation
If separate soap dispensers, faucets, and hand dryers are positioned on the deck, then each function is accessible, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate fixtures (soap dispenser, faucet, hand dryer) into one integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of individual fixtures from three to one, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining accessibility of all functions through strategic positioning within the single fixture structure.
3Productivity
If users move between wash basin and hand dryer, then hand washing and drying can be completed, but excess water drips on the floor creating mess
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hand dryer directly into the fixture over the basin, users can dry their hands immediately after washing without moving to a separate location. This eliminates the movement that causes water to drip on the floor, thereby preventing mess while maintaining the ability to complete the hand washing process efficiently.
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 allows for efficient hand washing and drying without the need for multiple fixtures, reducing mess and space requirements while maintaining ease of use and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The fixture includes an aerator for water dispersion
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 and soap 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 and soap, accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump or valve to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet.