Portable Decontamination Lavatory With Self-Checking ADA Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination stations and portable lavatories are often infrequently used due to their stationary nature, lack of automatic verification of functionality, and unappealing conditions, making them inadequate for remote worksites and non-compliant with ADA requirements.
Innovation Solution
A portable sanitation system comprising a combined decontamination station and lavatory that can be bolted onto a trailer, providing a fully functioning health and safety amenity space, with a flushable toilet, waterless urinal, and integrated plumbing and electrical systems for automatic verification of functionality, and ADA compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary decontamination station is positioned at a fixed location, then it can provide reliable safety equipment, but it cannot remain in close proximity to workers when the worksite location moves
Solution Approach 1:
The decontamination station is designed as a mobile unit that can be relocated to different worksite locations, transforming the static safety equipment into a dynamic system that follows workers across multiple job sites while maintaining functional readiness through integrated monitoring systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable tank-type lavatory is used, then it can be moved to different locations, but it produces visible waste and odors that are unappealing to users
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical tank-based waste collection system is replaced with a chemical treatment system that uses decomposition chambers and neutralizing agents to break down waste into non-odorous, non-visible byproducts, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The waste treatment process changes the chemical and physical parameters of waste materials through controlled decomposition and neutralization, transforming visible waste and odorous byproducts into acceptable discharge materials that maintain portability benefits
3Reliability
If current decontamination stations are regularly checked and verified by technicians, then proper working order can be ensured, but the process is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated sensors and monitoring devices that continuously track functional status of decontamination equipment, providing real-time feedback on operational readiness and alerting users to any issues requiring attention, thereby eliminating the need for manual inspection cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination station performs self-verification of its own functional status through integrated monitoring systems that automatically detect and report operational conditions, eliminating the need for external technician inspections and reducing both time and cost expenditures
4Adaptability or versatility
If a raised portable sanitation system is used to match trailer height, then it can be integrated with mobile worksite facilities, but it may create accessibility barriers for workers with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitation system is divided into separate modular components that can be configured at different heights and positions, allowing the system to be integrated with mobile facilities while providing ground-level access points for workers with mobility issues through strategic placement of entryways and ramps
Data Source
AI summary
A relocatable, easily movable worksite sanitation system that is a combination decontamination station and lavatory with two separate rooms suitable for complying with ADA and safety regulations that is continuously automatically electrically checked and verified to be in proper working order. The sanitation system has a water source and a power source, and the sanitation system includes an improved flush-type lavatory comprising at least a toilet and a sink with a lavatory water supply line providing water to said toilet and said sink. Both the lavatory and the decontamination rooms include an electrical system with a switch for turning the electrical system on and off. The decontamination station has at least an eye wash station and a shower with a decontamination water supply line providing water to said eye wash station and to said shower. The self-checking power system is included in the decontamination station electrical system with a decontamination station switch having an on position, wherein said on position provides power to said decontamination station electrical system. Further, a valve is adapted to receive water from said water source that actuates the decontamination station switch between providing water to said lavatory water supply line and said decontamination water supply line. The valve provides water to the decontamination water supply line when the decontamination station switch is in its “on” position.