Portable Handsink Water Circulation for Clean On-Demand Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals often face challenges in accessing clean water for hand washing in situations where they are on the go, such as in vehicles or public areas, due to the unavailability or inconvenience of clean water sources, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for immediate and convenient hand hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A portable handsink system that includes temperature-controlled water storage, a pumping system, filtration, and a plumbing system with control mechanisms to manage water circulation and level sensing, allowing for controlled water flow and filtration, enabling clean and convenient hand washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable handsink system is designed to provide immediate access to clean water, then convenience and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for water storage, pumping, filtration, and temperature control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (water storage, pumping, filtration, temperature control, and dispensing) into a single integrated portable handsink unit. The water storage tank, pump system, filtration system, and control mechanisms are merged into one cohesive device that can be easily transported and operated, providing complete hand washing functionality in a single unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable handsink system performs multiple functions simultaneously: storing water, filtering water, controlling water temperature, pumping water, and dispensing water. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, improving convenience while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
2Duration of action of moving object
If water storage capacity is increased to ensure sufficient water supply, then duration of action is improved, but weight and volume of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump mechanism to dynamically manage water flow from the storage tank to the dispensing system. This allows the device to provide adequate water supply duration without requiring excessively large storage capacity, as the pump can efficiently deliver water at controlled rates. The dynamic pumping system optimizes the relationship between storage volume and supply duration, reducing the weight penalty compared to static gravity-fed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pump system (potentially using pneumatic or hydraulic principles) to move water from the storage tank through the filtration system and to the dispensing mechanism. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach enables efficient water delivery with smaller storage volumes compared to gravity-based systems, as the pump can maintain adequate flow rates and pressure with reduced water capacity, thereby reducing overall device weight.
3Reliability
If filtration system is added to ensure clean water output, then water purity is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a circulation mechanism that allows water to be filtered and returned to the storage tank for reuse. This recovering approach minimizes water loss by continuously filtering and re-purposing water rather than discarding it after single-use filtration. The circulation system ensures that water maintaining adequate purity levels is retained and reused, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining clean water output.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system operates continuously as part of the water circulation loop, constantly filtering water that circulates through the system rather than using discrete batch filtration. This continuous filtration approach maintains water purity throughout the stored water supply while minimizing waste, as water is filtered incrementally during circulation rather than requiring large volumes for single-pass filtration and subsequent disposal.
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 portable handsink system provides a reliable and convenient means for obtaining clean, temperature-controlled water for hand washing, addressing the challenge of accessing clean water in inaccessible or inconvenient locations, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping system that pumps water from the water storage tanks to the sink assembly
Implementation Method 2
a filtration system that filters water flowing from the sink assembly to the water storage tanks
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary apparatuses and methods for providing clean hot and/or cold water on demand from a portable structure include water storage tanks that store the clean water, and a sink assembly for dispensing the clean water to a user. A pumping system pumps water from the water storage tanks to the sink assembly, and a filtration system that filters water flowing from the sink assembly to the water storage tanks.