Portable flow sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable sinks lack the ability to replenish water conveniently while safely discharging wastewater outdoors and controlling inlet and outlet flows, leading to inefficient cleaning processes, especially in indoor settings where frequent water changes are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A portable sink system with a float valve for maintaining water level, an airlock device to prevent air ingress in the discharge line, and a siphon mechanism that allows controlled flow rates, enabling continuous or periodic water replenishment and safe wastewater disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a portable sink uses a simple bucket design, then it is easy to manufacture and portable, but it cannot replenish water automatically and requires frequent manual water changes
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve automatically detects water level and opens/closes to maintain a selected water level in the container, enabling self-replenishment without manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-servicing while maintaining simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve provides continuous feedback on water level to the inlet line, automatically adjusting water intake to maintain the selected level. This feedback mechanism enables automatic water replenishment while keeping the overall system simple and manufacturable.
2Ease of operation
If a portable sink discharges wastewater outdoors using a simple outlet, then it is easy to operate, but air can enter the discharge line causing siphon failure and interrupting water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The airlock device acts as an intermediary between the discharge line and atmosphere, allowing water to pass while blocking air from entering the siphon. This mediator maintains reliable siphon operation without complicating the discharge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The airlock device preemptively prevents air from entering the discharge line before it can disrupt the siphon action. By blocking air ingress in advance, the siphon flow remains continuous and reliable throughout operation.
3Extent of automation
If a portable sink uses a float valve to maintain water level, then water can be replenished automatically, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve system is self-actuating, using buoyancy to automatically open and close the inlet line based on water level. This self-service mechanism provides automatic replenishment without requiring external control systems or complex automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve utilizes hydraulic principles (buoyancy of floating ball) to automatically control water flow. This passive hydraulic control achieves automation without electrical components or complex mechanical systems, minimizing overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If a portable sink allows high water flow rates, then cleaning is more efficient, but water is depleted faster requiring more frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve allows dynamic adjustment of water flow rate, enabling the user to optimize between cleaning speed and water consumption. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by allowing adaptation to specific cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate parameter can be changed by adjusting the outlet valve, allowing optimization of the balance between cleaning efficiency and water depletion rate. This parameter adjustment capability resolves the contradiction for different operating conditions.
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 system allows for efficient water management, reducing the need for frequent water changes, maintaining a consistent water level, and preventing air from entering the discharge line, even under low flow conditions, thus enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a float valve on the inlet line to maintain the wash water at a selected level within the container
Implementation Method 2
an outlet line to remove wastewater from the container, the outlet line further comprising an airlock device at the discharge end
Implementation Method 3
an airlock device at the discharge end to prevent air from coming up the discharge line
Data Source
AI summary
A portable sink includes a container for holding wash water, an inlet line to bring fresh water into the container, and an outlet line to remove wastewater from the container. A float valve on the inlet line maintains wash water at a selected level within the container. A faucet attached to the float valve may further provide a separate source of clean water to the user. The outlet line further includes a siphon to draw the wastewater from the container to a selected discharge location. The inlet and outlet lines may form an assembly with an inverted U shape so that the device may straddle the wall of a bucket so that no piping penetrations are made through the wall. The siphon preferably includes an airlock to prevent the ingress of air at the discharge end under conditions of less than maximum flow.